{"id":491269,"date":"2026-06-23T09:06:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T09:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/491269\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T09:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T09:06:08","slug":"supergirl-early-reviews-split-fans-and-critics-ahead-of-dcs-big-debut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/491269\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Supergirl’ Early Reviews Split Fans and Critics Ahead of DC\u2019s Big Debut"},"content":{"rendered":"

Supergirl <\/a>is almost ready to arrive in theaters, but early reactions from critics show that DC Studios\u2019 latest superhero movie is already creating debate. While many reviewers are praising Milly Alcock\u2019s performance as Kara Zor-El and Jason Momoa\u2019s Lobo, others feel the film does not fully reach its potential.<\/p>\n

Directed by Craig Gillespie, Supergirl stars Alcock as the new DC Universe version of the iconic hero. The film follows Alcock\u2019s appearance in last summer\u2019s Superman and also features Jason Momoa as Lobo and David Corenswet returning as Superman.<\/p>\n

The first reactions were shared online by critics ahead of the movie\u2019s June 26 release, with opinions ranging from strong praise to more mixed responses.<\/p>\n

Chris Killian from ComicBook.com was among the critics who enjoyed the movie, describing it as a unique combination of different genres. He compared the film to several popular movies, saying \u201cif you threw [Guardians of the Galaxy], True Grit, and Mad Max into a DC blender, you\u2019d get Supergirl \u2014 a grimy, funny, yet surprisingly somber space adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you threw GOTG, True Grit, and Mad Max into a DC blender, you\u2019d get #Supergirl<\/a> \u2013 a grimy, funny, yet surprisingly somber space adventure. Milly shines, especially when we get into Kara\u2019s tragic backstory, but Jason Momoa is having the fraggin\u2019 time of his life as Lobo. (1\/2) pic.twitter.com\/k2wmb7VMdy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chris Killian (@chriskillian) June 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Killian also praised Alcock\u2019s performance, especially when the film explores Kara\u2019s emotional background. He also highlighted Momoa\u2019s role as Lobo, saying the actor appears to be \u201chaving the fraggin\u2019 time of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

The critic also gave credit to the movie\u2019s practical effects and David Corenswet\u2019s return as Superman. According to Killian, Corenswet continues to prove he was the right choice for the role, saying he was \u201cpeak casting\u201d and that viewers \u201ccan\u2019t help but smile\u201d whenever he appears.<\/p>\n

However, not everyone was completely convinced by the film. Movie critic Tessa Smith shared a more balanced reaction, calling Supergirl a \u201cmixed bag.\u201d She explained that her excitement as a comic book fan may have created higher expectations.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a fan of the comic, I was (perhaps) overly excited for the film adaptation. While Jason Momoa\u2019s Lobo & Milly Alcock shine, some adaptation choices and a bland villain keep it from greatness. It\u2019s, simply put, just fine,\u201d Smith wrote.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately Supergirl is a mixed bag for me. As a fan of the comic, I was (perhaps) overly excited for the film adaptation. While Jason Momoa\u2019s Lobo & Milly Alcock shine, some adaptation choices and a bland villain keep it from greatness. It’s, simply put, just fine. #Supergirl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4uDAvQmjYv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tessa Smith \u2013 Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) June 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Erik Davis also had positive things to say about the movie\u2019s style and themes. He compared it to the adventurous energy of Guardians of the Galaxy mixed with the harsh world of Mad Max. Davis praised Alcock\u2019s performance, saying she brings emotional depth to Kara by showing both confidence and sadness.<\/p>\n

Craig Gillespie\u2019s #Supergirl<\/a> is a great follow-up to #Superman<\/a>. It\u2019s got the underdog rock ‘n’ roll attitude of Guardians of the Galaxy mixed with the grimy ruthlessness of a Mad Max movie. Tonally it\u2019s a unique concoction, but it works!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a film about fighting for those who\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/DdOmrLzRPz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) June 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

He also liked Momoa\u2019s Lobo, explaining that the character appears enough to be enjoyable while still leaving audiences wanting more. Davis also agreed that Corenswet continues to be a great Superman.<\/p>\n

Other critics were less impressed. John Nguyen from Nerd Reactor said the movie felt underwhelming, explaining that Supergirl needed stronger material to fully show what the character could do.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Germain Lussier described the film as highly enjoyable but said it did not have the same impact as Superman. Still, he praised the movie\u2019s emotional moments and the stronger relationships between its characters.<\/p>\n

#Supergirl<\/a> is highly enjoyable.<\/p>\n

It doesn’t quite have the resonance of Superman, but it acts as both a perfect companion and follow-up to that movie with better characters and more complex relationships. <\/p>\n

It’s also incredibly emotional, which makes the action hit even harder. pic.twitter.com\/Mic27Q2jKu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) June 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Total Film\u2019s Fay Watson gave one of the most enthusiastic reactions, calling Supergirl the kind of superhero movie she wished she had seen when she was younger. She praised Alcock\u2019s performance and Craig Gillespie\u2019s direction, noting the movie has strong Mad Max influences while still creating its own identity.<\/p>\n

Supergirl is the film I wish I’d had as a teenager who loved superhero movies. Milly Alcock is perfect, bringing humour, heart, and incredible drunk acting. Really loved Craig Gillespie’s vision of this world. Mad Max vibes for sure, but #Supergirl<\/a> is something all of its own. pic.twitter.com\/OYddzGY77p<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Fay Watson (@FayAnnaWatson) June 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Overall, early reviews suggest Supergirl has plenty of strengths, especially its cast and emotional story. However, some critics believe the villain and certain story choices prevent it from becoming a truly great superhero film. Audiences will get the chance to decide for themselves when Supergirl arrives in theaters on June 26.<\/p>\n

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n