James Gunn Reveals Why DCU’s ‘Supergirl’ Is Nothing Like You Expect: “She’s Kind of a Mess”

James Gunn, the head of DC Studios and director of the new Superman movie, has shared some interesting details about Milly Alcock’s take on Supergirl in the upcoming film. This version of Kara Zor-El is very different from what fans have seen before.

Instead of being Superman’s cheerful cousin living on Earth, Alcock’s Supergirl will be shown fighting her own battles out in space.

In an interview with ComicBook, Gunn explained that this new Supergirl has a much tougher backstory than previous live-action versions. He described her as “kind of a mess” because she grew up in the ruins of Krypton, which is very different from Superman’s more stable and happy childhood.

Gunn said flashbacks to Krypton might appear in the movie, but the main story focuses on how the destruction of Krypton deeply affected Kara.

He said, “Clark really does have sort of this really happy childhood. I mean, he had parents who loved him in an easy-going upbringing, and it makes him the least dysfunctional of superheroes in so many ways. And Supergirl, especially the DCU Supergirl, she’s kind of a mess. I mean, she’s, she’s had real issues growing up. And it is based on the comic where she watched person after person after person dying in front of her as her piece of the planet disintegrated.”

Back in January 2023, Gunn and his producing partner Peter Safran revealed their plan for the new DC Universe, starting with “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” One of the movies announced was an adaptation of the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. Gunn described the movie as a “big science fiction epic film” that will show a tougher, more serious Kara Zor-El than any version seen before. Tom King, the comic’s writer, is also helping shape the story for the DC Universe.

After the film was announced, the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comics quickly sold out at many stores and online. Gunn mentioned he is working with DC Comics publisher Jim Lee to make sure more copies are printed soon, so fans can get their hands on the comic.

This new Supergirl movie looks set to give fans a fresh and deeper look at Kara Zor-El, making her a major part of the DC Universe with a story that’s more intense and emotional than before.

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