Last year, James Gunn’s Superman emerged as a major success for the DCU. This year, however, Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl appears to be heading in the opposite direction, with disappointing early reviews and a weak box office start raising concerns about its future.
DC Studios’ latest release is off to a disappointing start. Supergirl has collected only $6 million on its opening day and $7.8 million overall so far, while early reviews from critics suggest the film is failing to make a strong first impression.
According to Deadline, Supergirl carries a production budget of $186 million. However, what was once projected to be a $65 million opening weekend is now expected to finish with just around $39 million over its first three days.
Ana Nogueira’s screenplay brings Supergirl to life from DC Comics, casting Milly Alcock as Kara Zor‑El—Superman’s cousin—opposite David Corenswet’s Clark Kent. Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem David Krumholtz as Zor-El, Emily Beecham as Alura In-Ze, Supergirl’s mother.
Early critical reactions suggest the latest DCU entry is struggling to impress. The film currently holds a 49 Metascore from 38 critics and a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, raising concerns about its reception ahead of a wider audience response.
After Supergirl, the DCU will return this October with the R-rated Clayface, made on a reported $40 million budget. It will be worth watching whether the lower-cost project can outperform expectations after Supergirl’s disappointing start.
