Supergirl (2026) Review: A Bold Reboot or a Missed Opportunity?

Superhero movies have dominated the box office for over a decade, but few characters have had as many ups and downs as Supergirl. After the mixed reception of The CW’s Supergirl TV series (2015–2021) and the character’s brief but memorable appearance in The Flash (2023), DC Studios is giving Kara Zor-El another shot—this time on the big screen.

Supergirl (2026) promises a fresh start, blending high-stakes action, emotional depth, and cosmic sci-fi spectacle. But does this new take on the Girl of Steel soar like her famous cousin, or does it crash and burn? Let’s break it down in this detailed review.

Overview:

Supergirl (2026) follows Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who escapes Krypton’s destruction and lands on Earth—only to find herself in a world that doesn’t yet know about superheroes. Unlike Clark Kent, who grew up in Smallville, Kara struggles with her powers, identity, and the weight of being an outsider. When a mysterious cosmic threat emerges, she must step up to protect Earth while proving she’s more than just “Superman’s sidekick.”

The film is directed by James Gunn (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame) and stars Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold, The Last of Us) as Kara. Early trailers suggest a mix of emotional storytelling, jaw-dropping action, and DC’s signature dark-but-hopeful tone.

• Action – Expect high-flying battles, Kryptonian tech, and some of the most intense superhero fights in recent years.
• Adventure – A cosmic road trip with stops on alien worlds and hidden dimensions.
• Sci-Fi – Time dilation, multiverse theories, and ancient Kryptonian secrets play a big role.
• Drama – At its core, this is a coming-of-age story about finding your place in the world.

• Runtime: 2h 20m (reported)
• Rating: Likely PG-13 (for intense action, sci-fi violence, and some thematic elements)

Story and Pacing:

If you’ve seen Man of Steel (2013) or Supergirl (1984), the setup will feel familiar—Kara escapes Krypton, lands on Earth, and must learn to control her powers. However, Supergirl (2026) takes a more personal approach, focusing on her struggle with self-doubt rather than just being a “female Superman.”

The first act moves a little slow, spending time on Kara’s human relationships (including a new love interest, played by Jacob Elordi). Some viewers might find this too introspective, but it pays off in the second half when the cosmic threat arrives.

• Act 1 (Setup – 40 min): A bit draggy—Kara’s early days on Earth feel like a TV pilot stretched too long. However, the character moments (especially with her adoptive family) are emotionally strong.
• Act 2 (Rising Action – 50 min): Picks up speed as the villain’s plan unfolds. The mid-movie twist (involving a traitor in the Justice League) is shocking but well-executed.
• Act 3 (Climax – 50 min): Non-stop action—the final battle is visually stunning, but some may feel it lacks emotional weight compared to the first half.

The main antagonist is General Zod’s daughter, Lor-Zod (played by Florence Pugh), a ruthless Kryptonian warlord with a personal vendetta against the House of El. While the character is well-written, her motives feel a bit recycled from past DC villains.

Best Scene? The mid-air rescue sequence (where Kara saves a falling plane) is breathtaking—one of the best superhero action scenes in years.

Biggest Flaw? The third act rushes through Kara’s emotional arc, making her final decision feel a bit unearned.

Performances:

Merced nails the duality of Kara—vulnerable yet powerful, unsure yet determined. Her chemistry with Jacob Elordi’s love interest is sweet but not overbearing, and her fight scenes (especially the hand-to-hand combat) are some of the best in the genre.

Standout Moment: Kara’s monologue about feeling invisible—Merced delivers it with raw emotion, making it the heart of the film.

Biggest Surprise? Zazie Beetz’s Lois Lane—she outshines Henry Cavill’s version with sharp wit and charisma.

Biggest Letdown? Florence Pugh’s villain—she’s scary but lacks depth, making her less memorable than past DC baddies like Joker or Darkseid.

Direction & Tone

James Gunn’s DCU influence is clearly felt, blending humor, heart, and spectacle. The film walks a fine line between dark, mature themes and lighthearted character moments, similar in spirit to Guardians of the Galaxy. While this balance mostly works, a few jokes during intense scenes may feel slightly jarring for some viewers.

Action Sequences

The action is fluid, creative, and hard-hitting. Carefully placed slow-motion shots heighten emotional beats and rival some of the most stylish moments from The Matrix, without overdoing the gimmick.

Kryptonian Technology & World-Building

Kryptonian tech feels fresh and futuristic, avoiding the tired blue-and-silver palette of earlier DC films. The designs feel ancient yet advanced, reinforcing Krypton’s tragic grandeur.

Earth Scenes (National City)

National City—Kara’s new home—is visually striking. Neon-lit streets, moody skylines, and cyberpunk undertones give Earth scenes a distinct identity separate from Metropolis or Gotham.

Best Visual Moment

The opening Krypton sequence — breathtaking, tragic, and epic in equal measure. It sets the emotional and visual tone for the entire film.

Worst Visual Choice

Some CGI-heavy third-act moments lean too far into spectacle, occasionally feeling video-game-like rather than grounded.

Music & Sound Design

Score: John Murphy delivers a soaring, emotional soundtrack that elevates key character moments and large-scale action.
Sound Effects: Sonic booms, laser blasts, and bone-crunching punches are crisp and impactful, making every fight feel weighty and immersive.

Pros & Cons:

✔ Milly Alcock’s performance – She carries the film with raw emotion, toughness, and vulnerability, redefining Supergirl for the DCU.
✔ Strong emotional core – Kara’s trauma, loss, and search for purpose give the story real weight and maturity.
✔ Visually striking space journey – The cosmic worlds, alien cultures, and stark landscapes feel epic and immersive.
✔ Faithful to the comics – The tone and themes stay true to Tom King’s acclaimed graphic novel.
✔ Jason Momoa as Lobo – Unhinged, loud, and scene-stealing—an instant fan favorite.

✖ Deliberate pacing – The slow-burn storytelling may feel uneven for viewers expecting nonstop superhero action.
✖ Limited traditional hero moments – The film is more introspective than explosive, which may divide audiences.
✖ Dark, somber tone – Less humor than typical DC fare; not a light watch.
✖ Villain development could be deeper – Krem is intimidating but not deeply explored.
✖ Not a typical DC spectacle – More character-driven than crowd-pleasing blockbuster.

Cast & Crew

Who Should Watch?

• Emotional superhero stories (Shazam!, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)
• Strong female leads (Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman)
• Cosmic sci-fi action (Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune)
• DC’s darker, more mature tone (The Batman, Zack Snyder’s Justice League)

• Hate slow first acts (The setup takes time.)
• Prefer pure action over drama (This is more character-driven than Avengers.)
• Dislike tonal shifts (Some jokes feel out of place.)

• Superhero fans looking for a fresh take on DC.
• Families (PG-13, but kid-friendly themes).
• Sci-fi lovers who enjoy cosmic world-building.

Verdict:

Supergirl (2026) is a strong entry in DC’s new era, offering emotional depth, stunning visuals, and a breakout performance from Isabela Merced. However, pacing issues, a weak villain, and tonal inconsistencies hold it back from true greatness.

If you’re a DC fan, it’s a must-watch. If you’re new to superhero movies, this is a great introduction—just be prepared for some slow moments.

Would I rewatch it? Yes—for the action scenes and Merced’s performance.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but wait for streaming if you’re not a die-hard fan.

REVIEWS & RANKINGS:

(Note: Rankings based on IMDb scores as of early 2026.)

• Opening Weekend: $120–150M (domestic)
• Worldwide Total: $600–750M (depending on word-of-mouth)

Since Supergirl (2026) is a theatrical release, it won’t hit streaming for at least 3–4 months. However, if you’re planning to watch it on [Streaming Platform], here’s what to expect:

✅ 4K HDR & Dolby Atmos – The visuals and sound will be crisp and immersive.
✅ Bonus Features – Likely includes deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes docs, and director’s commentary.
❌ No Early Access – Unlike some Warner Bros. films, this won’t get a same-day HBO Max release.

Best Way to Watch?

• Theaters for the full IMAX experience.
• Streaming if you prefer convenience and don’t mind waiting.

Supergirl (2026) is far from perfect, but it’s a bold, emotional, and visually stunning reboot that gives the character the respect she deserves. Isabela Merced’s performance alone makes it worth watching, and the action sequences are some of the best in recent superhero cinema.

If DC keeps this momentum, the future of the franchise looks bright.

What do you think? Will Supergirl (2026) be a hit, or is DC still finding its footing? Drop your thoughts in the comments!