Supergirl Doubles Down on Superman’s Most Divisive DCU Storyline

Supergirl features more of David Corenswet’s Superman. The latest movie also doubles down on one of Superman’s most divisive storylines.

Supergirl is out in theaters now. Based on Tom King’s 2021–2022 comic book series illustrated by Bilquis Evely, the film stars Milly Alcock in the titular role of Kara Zor-El. It is written by Ana Nogueira and produced by DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.

“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,” reads the film’s official synopsis.

Supergirl leans into what some were most critical of in Superman

In Supergirl, we’re treated to a deeper look into the backstory of Krypton, the planet that both Kara Zor-El and Kal-El called home prior to its destruction. In the movie, we learn that, instead of imploding immediately, a chunk of Krypton actually survived thanks to Kara’s father activating a forcefield over a central part of the planet.

In the flashback sequence on Krypton, however, we’re treated to some more backstory on Superman. As the planet is beginning to crumble and Kryptonians head for the forcefield’s center, the escape pod housing Superman is seen flying off into space. Kara’s parents wonder if that was Jor-El’s child and offhandedly mention that he’s being sent off to become a conqueror of another planet, noting that he is not a “monster” and shouldn’t be tasked with that.

The throwaway line is a surprising one, but confirms that the intent of Superman was not misunderstood. The first DCU movie shocked fans by taking a twist on the iconic story of Superman. Instead of having been sent to Earth as a last-ditch effort to save him and keep him safe, the movie reveals that he was sent to Earth to rule over it and turn it into its own Kryptonian habitat.

Of course, that doesn’t end up happening. Superman instead is found by the loving Ma and Pa Kent. The movie sees Clark reconciling with the fact that his parents were not altruistic saviors, but finding solace in his human family’s love for him. While many thought the twist was a bad one given Superman’s comic book upbringings, it seems like DC Studios is fully doubling down.

Originally reported by Anthony Nash for ComingSoon.

Source: Comingsoon.net