The trailer for DC Studios’ next theatrical installment Supergirl dropped and it has drawn out the absolute worst of comic book and movie influencer culture.
Here’s the trailer:
Let me just say this: I am a huge Superman fan. Have been my entire life and 2025’s Superman directed by James Gunn is the movie I’ve waited my whole life for. It’s a damn near perfect Superman movie. And contrary to online discourse, the film was a huge success across box office, merchandising and branding. And I will say this - yes it does have James Gunn’s fingerprints on it (as it should) but it’s also one of the cleanest and most traditional films he’s ever made. Nothing has ever captured ALL of Superman as perfectly as the 2025 film.
I must also preface this discussion by saying I am not a fan of the Snyderverse. The DCEU had some bright spots and cool moments, but Man of Steel did more damage to the Superman IP than anything else and it still reverberates today. Also, the fact that 2025’s Superman lives absolutely rent-free (both positive and negative) in people’s heads proves how successful it was.
That is what brings us to Supergirl.
My reaction to the trailer was simply “this looks like a lot of fun, can’t wait.” It looks like a very faithful adaptation of Tom King’s TREMENDOUS story “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” (Buy it, read it, it’s phenomenal). I’ve also loved this DCU version of Kara since she crashed into the Fortress at the end of Superman, which also fueled my view of the trailer and depiction of Supergirl as refreshing.
Let’s not forget that just a few years ago Supergirl had a well-received 6 season, 126 episode CW series that was part of the Arrowverse. That Kara was more in-line with Superman’s altruism, it was the CW’s way of doing a Superman show until they could actually use Superman and eventually give us an alternate universe “Superman & Lois” (which is also one of the best depictions of Superman ever).
I bring up the CW Supergirl, brilliantly portrayed by Melissa Benoist, because it’s very important to why the “Woman of Tomorrow” Supergirl is the DCU version. This Kara is different, new and a STARK contrast to Superman, dealing with her trauma of the destruction of Krypton, the apparent bottling of Kandor and, highly likely, her displacement in time that led to Superman being an adult before she arrived on Earth.
This looks like a fantastic next chapter of the DCU and Superman Saga, also establishing the VERY important cosmic side of the DCU… but that’s where the very loud, very angry minority comes vigorously typing and yelling into their cameras to post on social media.
The biggest and probably most unfounded criticism? “Oh it’s just Guardians of the Galaxy,” as if similarities to a $2.4 billion franchise and (hot take) second best MCU trilogy is a bad thing.
And of course, the loudest voices - the Snydercult, the “anti-James Gunn” crowd and those “fans” who hate anything that doesn’t fit their head-canon - are out in force. I think its important to tackle some of these criticisms and explain what’s really at play here.
First and foremost, are there stylistic similarities to “Guardians of the Galaxy?” Yes, there are. But I also don’t think that’s particularly intentional. Space-faring, sci-fi adventures as a whole - Star Trek, Star Wars etc., - have always had a certain style to them, “Guardians” was never unique in that sense. I recently just rewatched all 4 “Men In Black” films and those certainly fit that bill. The point is just because it’s a cosmic romp doesn’t mean it’s a “Guardians” clone.
I also have a MAJOR gripe with commentators basically ignoring the fact that “Supergirl” is not directed by James Gunn. It’s directed by Craig Gillespie, the director of “I, Tonya” and the sleeper-fantastic, very stylized “Cruella.” (Also the very underrated “The Finest Hours.”) I am asking you please put some respect on his name. Yes, James Gunn’s style and overall creative vision is what’s driving the DCU, but that does not mean everything is going to be exactly the same. “Superman,” “Peacemaker,” and “Creature Commandos” are vastly different.
A number of commentators are fixated on the fact that Supergirl is wearing headphones a la Star-Lord. A) Who cares? Does Peter Quill have a monopoly on the usage of headphones and/or a walkman? B) HA! They got you. This day and age, marketers and creators will do things to spark conversation. That’s exactly what they did, literally from a quick tease.
Another criticism which seems just really bizarre to me is the look of Krem - the main villain. In the comic, Krem looks like a redhead Oliver Queen, his actions are menacing, but he himself doesn’t look menacing.
This is the part where I feel like I have to remind people that comics don’t always have 1:1 translations to the movies and Krem is a prime example of when you need something menacing looking to spook GENERAL AUDIENCES. Key takeaway: general audiences. This is typical Hollywood/movie-making magic. The villain doesn’t present as just human-looking, he’s also disfigured. And before you say “what about Killmonger?,” I remind you the “Black Panther” villain was disfigured, albeit a bit more subtle. I also find Krem’s new appearance to be a needed and necessary contrast to one Main Man Bastitch, Jason Momoa’s Lobo.
My point thus far is these criticisms and gripes are trite. They’re nitpicky. They’re intended by the commentators and influencers to draw in the rage-bait. These types have become the loudest voices on the internet when it comes to Star Wars, Marvel, DC and more. And what I’m starting to see bleed through these nitpicks is the very same thing I see whenever a female-led (especially comic-based) project is coming. (AHEM, “Captain Marvel”).
The misogyny is where a lot of things are rooted. Some saying Milly Alcock isn’t “attractive” (WHAT?!) or that Supergirl isn’t “sexy” enough. Even in the year 2025, the male ego is fragile. There’s even been criticism of the “drunk Supergirl” and how she’s “not altruistic.” This is the part where these folks need be reminded that Supergirl is not totally altruistic like her cousin. Part of her character is learning from him. And this Supergirl - again clearly from “Woman of Tomorrow” is dealing with her own trauma and living in Big Blue’s shadow.
All of this, in true form, simply from a trailer.
I, for one, have just grown very tired of internet discourse. I mostly ignore it these days and rarely - if ever - engage. However, when it comes to things like “Supergirl” and the DCU as whole, I find so much of the commentary disingenuous and full of angry crybabies who care more about drumming up commentary for social media engagements than they do the actual substance of what’s being presented and this time around they’re really showing their asses.
Anyways, I can’t wait for Supergirl.
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