After Superman reignited interest in DC’s new universe, the franchise is turning its attention to a very different kind of hero.
The Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow trailer introduces Kara Zor-El as a tougher and more cynical counterpart to her cousin, Superman.
DC Studios has confirmed that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will arrive in cinemas on June 26, 2026. The trailer also introduces fan-favourite superdog Krypto and offers the first major look at Milly Alcock as Kara.
The footage shows Kara living recklessly on Red Sun planets. She drinks, parties and avoids dealing with the pain of losing Krypton.
The approach is very different from Clark Kent’s hopeful image. Kara carries deep trauma from her past, and the new film will explore how she learns to face it.
A flawed, imperfect heroine
Directed by Craig Gillespie, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow takes Kara into a cosmic setting. The trailer shows her travelling through space on a bus and living aboard an apartment-ship.
Kara also celebrates her 23rd birthday on a red sun planet. The planet strips her of her Kryptonian powers.
Instead of enjoying the occasion, Kara turns to alcohol and tries to hide her pain. Her conversation with Krypto also highlights her loneliness.
Milly Alcock has explained how Kara’s childhood shaped her personality.
“Supergirl, compared to Superman, she’s had a completely different upbringing,” Alcock said.
Kara grew up on a dying planet. She lost almost everyone she loved. As a result, she developed a cynical and guarded personality.
Clark, by comparison, grew up with a very different experience. He learned to trust people and look for the good in them.
Kara does not hide her emotions in the same way. Alcock said that this honesty made the character especially interesting to play.
The Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow trailer reflects that difference. Kara appears angry, vulnerable and unwilling to pretend that everything is fine.
Redefining the Girl of Steel
James Gunn, who oversees DC Studios, also highlighted Kara’s imperfections.
“That’s really what spoke to me both in the book and the script,” he said.
Gunn explained that many female superhero characters often appear more perfect than their male counterparts. He wanted Kara to have the same flaws and complications that audiences have seen in characters such as Tony Stark and Star-Lord.
Craig Gillespie shared a similar view of Alcock’s performance.
“She’s a rebellious spirit, Milly,” Gillespie said.
He described Kara as someone who uses humour and cynicism as protection. However, he also praised Alcock for showing the character’s compassion and vulnerability.
The new version of Supergirl therefore moves away from the idea of a flawless superhero. Instead, Kara must deal with grief, anger and difficult choices.
Krypton’s death and Kara’s ghosts
The trailer also explores Kara’s painful history with Krypton.
Eve Ridley plays Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young character who asks Kara about the destruction of her home planet.
Her questions force Kara to revisit memories of Krypton. The trailer includes brief images of the planet’s final days and the city of Kandor.
In this DC universe, Kara comes from Kandor rather than Argo City, which has appeared in some earlier versions of the character’s story.
The film also introduces Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. Ruthye wants revenge against Krem after suffering a devastating loss.
Her journey eventually brings her together with Kara. Their relationship becomes central to a story about grief, revenge and moral choices.
The Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow trailer suggests that Ruthye will push Kara to confront emotions she has tried to avoid.
“What was it like to lose everything in a day?” Ruthye asks in the trailer.
“Krypton did not die in a day,” Kara replies. “The Gods aren’t that kind.”
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will arrive in cinemas on June 26, 2026. The film promises a darker and more emotional take on the Girl of Steel as DC continues to expand its new cinematic universe.
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