DC’s next big bet has landed — and the verdict is split. Supergirl premiered in Brooklyn on June 22 ahead of its June 26 theatrical release, drawing near-universal praise for star Milly Alcock but mixed reactions to the film itself. As the second movie in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe, it carries heavy expectations and faces a crowded box office against Toy Story 5.
A star is launched
Alcock is the standout. Critics have showered near-universal praise on Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, marking her as a breakout even amid divided opinions on the movie. Her performance is emerging as the film’s strongest selling point heading into release.
The reviews split
The film divides opinion. Early reactions are mixed, with recurring knocks on a bland villain dampening enthusiasm despite the love for Alcock. The split puts pressure on word of mouth to carry the movie once general audiences weigh in.
A starry cast
The lineup is loaded. Alongside Alcock, the cast includes Jason Momoa, David Corenswet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham. Momoa officially joins the new DC Universe as the bounty hunter Lobo, adding marquee muscle to the ensemble.
The box office test
The numbers will be watched. Supergirl is eyeing a $47 million to $60 million opening, a solid but not spectacular range, complicated by direct competition from Toy Story 5 the same weekend. The debut is an early gauge of the rebooted DC slate’s pull.
Gunn’s grand plan
It is a building block. As the second film in Gunn and Safran’s DC Universe reboot, Supergirl is part of a long-game strategy to rebuild the franchise. Its reception feeds into momentum — or doubt — for the slate of films and shows to follow.
A crowded summer
Competition is fierce. With Toy Story 5 already drawing families and a packed June calendar, Supergirl must carve out space in a busy marketplace. Standing out demands strong reviews, star power and the kind of buzz a premiere is meant to spark.
Why it matters
This launch signals DC’s trajectory. How Supergirl performs shapes confidence in the reboot, Alcock’s stardom and the franchise’s direction. A breakout lead amid mixed reviews leaves the door open for the movie to win audiences even if critics hesitate.
The bottom line
Supergirl premiered in Brooklyn to near-universal praise for Milly Alcock but mixed reviews overall, ahead of a June 26 release and a box-office clash with Toy Story 5. As DC’s second reboot film, the stakes are high. All eyes are on whether the cape can fly.
