Supergirl first – Press members who’ve seen “Supergirl” are describing it as grittier and more visceral than many expected—leaning into “Mad Max” territory—with Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa emerging as standout sparks. Still, not every reaction is glowing, with at least one rev
When “Supergirl” arrived for members of the film press. the first thing many people seemed to agree on wasn’t the cast—it was the atmosphere. Instead of the tone some expected for a DC space-set superhero movie. multiple early reactions framed it as raw. dirty. and violent in the way “Mad Max” movies are.
Mike Ryan put it bluntly: the film “looks and plays more like a ‘Mad Max’ movie. with dirty worlds. gross villains and a self destructive hero.” Germain Lussier of Gizmodo and io9 called it “highly enjoyable. ” adding that while it doesn’t have “the resonance of ‘Superman. ’” it works as a companion and follow-up with “better characters and more complex relationships.” He also said it’s “incredibly emotional. ” and that’s part of why the action lands harder.
Not every reaction was a universal yes. Tessa Smith—describing herself as a comic fan—said the movie is “a mixed bag,” praising Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa as shining points while criticizing “some adaptation choices and a bland villain.” Her verdict: “it’s, simply put, just fine.”
The strongest praise, though, kept returning to Milly Alcock’s performance and to Jason Momoa’s Lobo. Simon Thompson wrote that while “it isn’t a classic. ” “it’s fun and hits most of the targets it aims for. ” with “Milly Alcock is great as the titular heroine and Momoa’s Lobo is a blast.” He also pointed to the movie’s action and humor. and said it does well “when it leans into physical production.”.
Other reactions echoed that sense of motion and tone. Chris Killian described a hybrid feel—“If you threw GOTG. True Grit. and Mad Max into a DC blender”—and said the result is “a grimy. funny. yet surprisingly somber space adventure.” He singled out Alcock’s “tragic backstory” and said Momoa “is having the fraggin’ time of his life as Lobo.”.
The movie is set in the DC Universe that James Gunn has been building since last summer’s “Superman. ” which introduced David Corenswet as the Man of Steel and kicked off Gunn’s franchise with “solid reviews and a strong $618 million at the worldwide box office.” “Supergirl” continues that line with Alcock starring in the title role.
The logline frames the story as personal and ruthless—“When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.”
Kara’s “tragic backstory” also surfaced in reactions that seem to connect the gritty look to something more emotional underneath. Lussier’s reaction leaned into that idea, saying the movie is “incredibly emotional,” with that feeling making the action hit harder.
Behind the performances, the creative team and source material point to why this adaptation could feel unfamiliar even to longtime DC viewers. “Supergirl” is based on the comic series “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” by Tom King and directed by Craig Gillespie.
The supporting cast includes Matthias Schoenaerts as the lead villain. Krem of the Yellow Hills; Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll. a girl who recruits Supergirl to bring Krem to justice for killing her father; David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham as Supergirl’s parents; and Jason Momoa as the alien mercenary Lobo. Corenswet also pops up as Superman.
Alcock’s own comments about joining the role add another layer to the early buzz. In a Variety cover story last month. Alcock explained that she looked at herself in the mirror and asked. “Who am I to turn down this opportunity?” She said she felt scared—but that she knew it was “what I needed to do.” Her decision. she described. came down to taking the moment: “I get one big. bad. beautiful life. Why not fucking go for it?” and then adding, “What are you, scared?. Get over yourself.”.
For now, the early verdicts suggest “Supergirl” is at least succeeding at something harder than it sounds: it’s delivering a distinct tone. Even reactions that cooled off the praise still agreed on the central spark—Alcock as the titular heroine and Momoa as Lobo.
“Supergirl” opens in theaters July 26.
Supergirl Milly Alcock James Gunn DC Universe Jason Momoa Lobo David Corenswet Craig Gillespie Mad Max vibes first reactions