Supergirl's Big Test: Can the New Movie Save DC's Troubled Universe?

The upcoming Supergirl movie is facing tough odds right from the start. Early estimates suggest it might only pull in around $47 to $65 million on its opening weekend in the U. S. That’s a big problem for a movie that cost $175 million to make and another $75 million to market. To even start making a profit, the film needs to earn close to $500 million worldwide. If it opens at the higher end of the estimate, that goal looks nearly impossible. But there’s more at stake here than just money. This movie is DC Studios’ second attempt to reboot some of their most famous superheroes after years of struggling ideas. The first try, Superman, did okay with $619 million globally but barely covered its massive costs. That movie didn’t really capture anyone’s imagination—it just existed. Now, the pressure is on Supergirl to prove the reboot was worth it.

The person in charge, James Gunn, has had a mixed run so far. After Superman, he’s pushing ahead with movies like Clayface (which most people didn’t ask for) and Lanterns (because, well, Green Lantern? ). His TV show Peacemaker vanished without much notice too. Gunn’s style worked back in 2012 with Guardians of the Galaxy, but times have changed. His approach feels outdated now, and not everyone’s a fan—especially with movies like his Suicide Squad flopping at the box office. Then there’s the lead actress, Milly Alcock-Zegler. She’s been getting media attention, but not for the right reasons. Instead of building excitement, she’s been making controversial statements, which hasn’t won over fans. Some think her attitude might be pushing away the very audience that superhero movies need the most. After all, female-led superhero movies like Alien’s Ripley have been huge hits before. All eyes will be on Supergirl when it hits theaters soon. If it fails, it could signal big trouble for DC Studios’ future. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking.

Actions