The first reactions to ‘Supergirl’ landed online this week ahead of the film’s release on Friday, 26 June 2026, with early viewers calling Milly Alcock the perfect Kara Zor-El in James Gunn’s DC Universe.
The reactions arrived after early screenings, with critics and fans sharing verdicts ahead of the worldwide rollout, as reported by Variety.
Much of the praise centred on Alcock in the title role, and on the film’s bold, road-trip take on the character.
What the ‘Supergirl’ first reactions are saying
One widely shared post declared, “Supergirl SOARS! Milly Alcock is the perfect Kara,” capturing the mood among early viewers.
Others compared the film to a mix of space adventure and gritty western, pointing to its tone rather than wall-to-wall superhero spectacle.
Several reactions likened Supergirl to the energy of Guardians of the Galaxy, with the grit of True Grit and the dusty chaos of Mad Max. Reviewers described a grimy, funny and at times sombre space journey, anchored by Alcock and a scene-stealing turn from Jason Momoa as Lobo.
Not every verdict was glowing. Some early viewers felt the film, while strong, did not match the emotional weight of Superman, with one calling it simply fine.
The mix of raves and measured takes has only sharpened curiosity ahead of opening weekend.
Jason Momoa’s Lobo also drew attention in the reactions, with several viewers flagging the character as a highlight.
His role has been teased as a key part of the wider DC Universe, and the response points to a bigger future for the bounty hunter.
Supergirl release date, cast and what comes next
Supergirl follows Kara Zor-El as she travels across the galaxy to mark her 21st birthday with Krypto the Superdog, before crossing paths with a young woman named Ruthye and joining a quest for revenge.
The cast includes Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham.
The film arrives after Gunn relaunched the DC Universe with Superman, the first major release in his new slate. Supergirl is meant to widen that world, introducing fresh characters and a different tone while keeping the through-line that ties the films together.
Alcock built a following through her breakout television work before landing the role of Kara, and the early reactions suggest the casting has paid off. Many posts singled out her ability to carry both the comedy and the heavier emotional beats of the story.
Supergirl opens in cinemas on Friday, 26 June 2026, including in South Africa, where superhero releases typically arrive in the same window.
The film is an early test for James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe, and its opening numbers will signal how audiences are taking to the new era.
