James Gunn and Peter Safran faced enormous pressure launching the new DC Universe, but Superman’s resounding success proved their vision was exactly what the franchise needed. The film charmed critics with earnest storytelling and became one of the year’s highest-grossing movies, despite superhero fatigue in international markets. However, this triumph immediately raised the stakes for the studio’s next chapter: Supergirl.
While the Man of Steel is an icon, his cousin Kara Zor-El never enjoyed the same cultural footprint. The primary question heading into 2026 was whether DC Studios could maintain momentum with a character lacking Clark Kent’s (David Corenswet) built-in safety net. Fortunately, the marketing rollout for Supergirl suggests the franchise remains in capable hands.
A Faithful Adaptation of Woman of Tomorrow
After teasing audiences with brief footage throughout the week, DC Studios has officially unveiled the first full trailer for Supergirl. The preview confirms the film heavily adapts the acclaimed comic book run Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely.
The footage demonstrates remarkable dedication to the source material, with several shots appearing lifted directly from Evely’s intricate panels. The story begins with Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) at a low point—getting drunk in a bar—before she’s pulled into a galactic quest for vengeance with a girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), a narrative backbone that remains intact in this adaptation.
While Supergirl’s core plot mirrors the 2021 miniseries, the trailer also highlights significant adjustments designed to integrate the story more firmly into the wider DCU canon.
Jason Momoa’s Comic-Accurate Lobo Steals the Show
Supergirl’s most significant deviation from the original comic is the inclusion of the Main Man himself—Lobo, played by Jason Momoa. This casting represents a massive win for fans who’ve long argued Momoa was born to play the intergalactic bounty hunter. The star has been vocal about his interest in the role for years, and the trailer delivers with a brief shot that looks remarkably comic-accurate, from the chalk-white skin to the signature leather vest.
Including a heavy-hitter like Lobo gives Momoa a role he can sink his teeth into while doubling down on Superman’s promise of a lived-in universe. The original Woman of Tomorrow comic is a largely isolated affair dealing with new or unknown characters, and Lobo’s participation reminds audiences this story unfolds in a vast, interconnected galaxy populated by recognizable figures.
A Darker, Grittier Take on the Girl of Steel
The trailer makes it abundantly clear that Supergirl will offer a drastically different atmospheric experience than its predecessor. While Superman was celebrated for optimism and brightness, this film embraces a grittier aesthetic.
The footage emphasizes that Kara isn’t simply a female version of her cousin—she’s a survivor who watched her world die, resulting in a harder worldview than the boy who grew up on a Kansas farm. She herself notes the difference: “He sees the good in everyone. And I see the truth.”
Strategic Genre Diversity for the DCU
Positioning Supergirl as the second entry in their slate represents a smart strategic play for DC Studios. Releasing a space opera with a darker edge immediately following a classic superhero story proves to audiences that the DCU can encompass a wide variety of genres and tones.
With Milly Alcock commanding the screen as a more complex, battle-hardened hero and Jason Momoa bringing fan-favorite Lobo to life, Supergirl appears poised to continue the DCU’s winning streak while carving out its own distinct identity.
