Supergirl soars thanks to Milly Alcock’s performance, despite the film’s uneven flight
(Jason Momoa as Lobo in Supergirl)
(June 27, 2026) Supergirl, the second theatrical chapter in DC Studios’ rebooted cinematic universe, is drawing a mixed but generally encouraging response from critics, with one point of near-universal agreement: Milly Alcock has officially arrived as one of the franchise’s brightest new stars.
Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella), the PG-13 adventure expands the world introduced in 2025’s Superman, taking audiences far beyond Earth for a more personal and emotionally driven story centered on Kara Zor-El.
While reviewers have been divided over the screenplay and pacing, many agree that Alcock’s charismatic performance, paired with Jason Momoa’s scene-stealing debut as Lobo, gives the film enough heart and energy to make it a worthwhile addition to the growing DC Universe.
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A Story of Loss, Revenge and Finding Hope
Unlike the optimistic tone of Superman, Supergirl explores darker emotional territory.
The story follows Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) as she races across the galaxy to save Krypto the Superdog, who has been poisoned by the ruthless space pirate Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts). Along the way, Kara joins forces with Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), a determined young survivor seeking revenge after Krem murders her family.
Their journey becomes more than a mission to stop a villain—it evolves into a story about grief, identity, healing and discovering where Kara truly belongs after the destruction of Krypton.
Brief appearances by David Corenswet’s Superman reinforce the sibling bond between Kal-El and Kara while helping connect the film to the larger DCU.
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Where the Film Shines
The strongest praise is reserved for Milly Alcock, whose performance has been described by many critics as confident, emotionally layered and immediately engaging.
Her portrayal balances Kara’s anger, vulnerability and rebellious streak without losing the compassion that has long defined the iconic heroine. Even reviewers who found fault with the script generally agreed that Alcock gives the character genuine emotional weight.
Visually, the film delivers several imaginative science-fiction worlds, energetic action sequences and a larger cosmic scope than its predecessor. The relationship between Kara and Ruthye also provides many of the film’s most heartfelt moments.
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Where It Stumbles
Not every critic was convinced.
Several reviews argue that the screenplay never fully capitalizes on its promising themes, suggesting the story sometimes settles for familiar revenge-driven superhero formulas instead of deeper character development.
Others felt the pacing occasionally drags, some supporting characters are underdeveloped, and portions of the film rely too heavily on stylized visuals rather than narrative momentum.
A handful of critics were particularly harsh, calling the plot thin and the dialogue uneven, though those opinions remain balanced by numerous reviewers who considered the film an entertaining, if imperfect, step forward for DC Studios.
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Jason Momoa’s Lobo Is an Instant Crowd Favorite
One of the film’s biggest talking points is Jason Momoa’s long-awaited debut as the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo.
A lifelong fan of the comic-book character, Momoa embraces Lobo’s reckless humor, swagger and unpredictable personality with obvious enthusiasm. Director Craig Gillespie reportedly encouraged the actor to improvise and “go wild,” allowing him to create one of the movie’s liveliest performances.
Although Lobo has limited screen time, critics consistently describe him as a standout whose scenes inject fresh energy into the film. His comic timing, physical presence and chemistry with both Kara and Ruthye have already sparked widespread calls for the antihero to receive his own standalone DCU project.
For longtime comic fans, Momoa appears to have found a role that fits him even more naturally than his previous turn as Aquaman.
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Box Office Begins Below Expectations
Despite the positive buzz surrounding Alcock and Momoa, early box office numbers suggest a more modest launch than originally anticipated.
Industry projections estimate Supergirl will open to approximately $40 million domestically, below many prerelease forecasts. Warner Bros. hopes positive audience reactions and strong word-of-mouth will help sustain the film throughout the summer.
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What’s Next?
Whether Supergirl ultimately becomes a major box-office success or a modest performer, it appears to accomplish one important mission: establishing Milly Alcock as a compelling new face of the DC Universe.
The enthusiastic reception to Jason Momoa’s Lobo also positions the fan-favorite antihero for future appearances, with speculation already growing about a possible solo adventure.
As James Gunn and Peter Safran continue building their interconnected DC Universe, Supergirl may prove less significant for its opening weekend than for the foundation it lays for the franchise’s next generation of heroes
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(Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, DC.com, Forbes, Variety)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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