Why Supergirl Will Be Radically Different from Superman: The Dark Truth

For those anticipating a carbon copy of Superman in the form of DC’s new Supergirl, it’s time to adjust your expectations. According to James Gunn, this version of Supergirl is “a total mess, ”and there’s a compelling, darker backstory that explains why.

Superman is back in action, with David Corenswet donning the iconic red cape as the Man of Steel. This new installment marks the beginning of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s reimagined DC Universe, which has already made a strong impression at the box office, raking in $217 million globally in its opening weekend. This financial success sets a positive tone for future projects, including the anticipated Supergirl film.

In the upcoming movie, Milly Alcock will portray Kara Zor-El. Although she is Superman’s cousin, Supergirl’s narrative is framed to explore her unique and gritty perspective as an outsider within the DC Universe.**(Caution: Minor spoilers regarding Superman ahead!)**

Exploring the Darker Aspects of Supergirl

In a brief appearance at the conclusion of Superman, Alcock’s Supergirl makes her debut at the Fortress of Solitude, where she seeks to reunite with her loyal companion, Krypto. However, her introduction hints at deeper complexities.

First look at Milly Alcock in her ‘SUPERGIRL’ suit pic.twitter.com/4ioXZsxys9

— ScreenTime (@screentime) July 14, 2025

According to Gunn in an interview with ScreenRant, Supergirl’s tough upbringing significantly shapes her character, contrasting sharply with Superman’s nurturing childhood.

“Yeah, that’s her. She’s a mess. She’s a total mess. I mean, I think as we learn, she’s had a completely different background from Superman. A much more difficult background, ” Gunn explained. He contrasted her experiences with those of Superman, who was raised in a loving and stable environment, while Kara has faced immense challenges from the very start.

In fact, unlike Clark Kent, who grew up in Kansas with supportive parents, Kara Zor-El’s formative years were spent on a dying Krypton, filled with trauma and loss. When she arrived on Earth as a teenager, she was vastly different—already shaped by grief and chaos.

This distinction is crucial in understanding their disparate outlooks on life. Superman embodies hope and optimism, having witnessed humanity’s best moments. In contrast, Supergirl, especially as depicted in Tom King’s *Woman of Tomorrow*, encounters the harsh realities of the universe, leading her to adopt a more cynical view.

The cover for Tom King's comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow — DC Comics

This jaded perspective will be a significant theme in the upcoming DCU movie. Gunn remarked back in 2023 that this iteration of Supergirl is “much more hardcore and not the Supergirl we’re used to.” He noted that viewers will witness the clear differences between Superman, raised in a warm environment, and Supergirl, who grew up amid destruction and loss.

With Superman now screening in theaters and Supergirl set for release on June 26, 2026, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the DCU saga. In the meantime, explore where to stream Superman, details on its runtime, insights about post-credit scenes, and a ranking of the Superman films to deepen your appreciation of this iconic character.

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