LOS ANGELES — DC Studios’ “Supergirl” opened in several international markets on Thursday and was set for a wider rollout in the United States on Friday, as early reviews revealed a divided response among critics while audience reactions remained mixed.
The film, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, marks the latest entry in DC Studios’ rebooted cinematic universe overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran. Based on the comic series “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” the movie follows Supergirl on an interstellar journey alongside a young companion seeking justice after the killing of her family.
Review aggregators and published critiques showed a broad range of reactions ahead of the film’s release. Several reviewers praised Alcock’s performance, with critics frequently citing her portrayal as a standout element of the production. Others raised concerns about the film’s narrative structure, pacing and action sequences.
The Associated Press described the film as an unconventional superhero story anchored by Alcock’s performance but said it struggled to fully sustain its tone throughout.
Some publications offered more favorable assessments. The Guardian called the film “sprightly and sparkling,” while other reviewers highlighted its departure from traditional superhero settings through its focus on a largely space-based adventure.
More critical reviews argued that the film failed to capitalize on its source material or relied too heavily on familiar franchise elements. Several critics nevertheless agreed on the strength of Alcock’s lead performance and the prominence of supporting appearances by Jason Momoa as Lobo and David Corenswet as Superman.
In an interview released before the film’s debut, Alcock described taking on the role as an intense experience and said she hoped audiences would connect with a version of Supergirl portrayed as flawed and relatable. Director Gillespie said the production sought to emphasize the character’s humanity and personal struggles. “The authenticity of who she is was really important,” Gillespie said.
The release comes as DC Studios continues to build its new interconnected franchise following the success of “Superman.” Industry observers are closely watching the film’s box-office performance, although early commercial results were not immediately available.
As of Thursday, “Supergirl” was continuing its global theatrical rollout, with critics’ reviews still being added and audience responses beginning to emerge in markets where the film had already opened.
