"Supergirl" opened to $18 million domestically on its first day, according to Variety, as the DC Universe’s latest superhero film faced mixed critical reception and industry scrutiny over its creative direction. The film, starring Milly Alcock, struggled to meet expectations despite its $170 million production budget, with Deadline reporting a $40 million domestic opening that fell short of projections. Meanwhile, Disney and Pixar’s "Toy Story 5" maintained its dominance, earning $21 million on Friday and on track to reach $70–80 million by Sunday, according to Variety.
"Supergirl" director Craig Gillespie, known for films like "I, Tonya," faced backlash for what critics called a lack of originality and an overreliance on tropes, as highlighted in Salon.com’s review. The film’s $18 million debut placed it second behind "Toy Story 5," but its performance raised questions about the viability of female-led superhero projects in the current market.
Box Office Performance and Comparisons
"Supergirl" opened to $18 million domestically on Friday, according to Variety, marking a strong start but falling short of the $40 million domestic projection cited by Deadline. The film’s opening day figures placed it second behind "Toy Story 5," which earned $21 million from 4,425 screens. By Sunday, "Toy Story 5" was expected to collect $70–80 million, pushing its North American total to nearly $300 million, as reported by Variety.
In contrast, "Supergirl" faced challenges in recouping its $170 million budget. While Deadline noted the film’s $40 million domestic opening, it also highlighted that the movie’s CinemaScore of B- and a 52% definite recommend score from PostTrak signaled mixed audience reception. The film’s performance was further complicated by its comparison to James Gunn’s "Superman," which debuted to $125 million in 2025 and ended with $618 million globally.
Critical Reception and Creative Choices
Salon.com criticized "Supergirl" as a "B-plot short" that failed to stand on its own, describing it as a "side quest" for the DC Universe. The review questioned the studio’s commitment to women-led superhero narratives, noting that the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and its "hackneyed space western narrative" undermined its potential.
Time Magazine’s review echoed these concerns, calling the film "dull, dispiriting, and fake-feminist." The article highlighted Milly Alcock’s performance as the film’s saving grace, but criticized the script’s lack of depth and the director’s failure to innovate. "Supergirl" was framed as a missed opportunity to redefine the superhero genre, with its narrative falling back on "trope-laden character writing" and "choppily directed action," according to the review.
Production Context and Industry Implications
The film’s production faced scrutiny over its creative direction and marketing strategy. Deadline noted that "Supergirl" was positioned as a "B-plot" for the DC Universe, with its marketing campaigns failing to expand beyond older male demographics. This contrasted with the success of "Disclosure Day," a Spielberg film that outperformed expectations with a $44.5 million opening, according to Deadline.
The film’s challenges also reflected broader industry trends, as noted in Salon.com’s analysis. The review argued that Hollywood’s reluctance to invest in women-led superhero projects persisted, despite the commercial success of films like "Wonder Woman" and "Captain Marvel." "Supergirl" was framed as part of a pattern of "studio-driven fare" that prioritized franchise expansion over creative risk, according to the article.
What’s Next for the DC Universe?
As "Supergirl" continues its theatrical run, its performance will be closely watched for implications on the DC Universe’s future. Deadline reported that the film’s box office trajectory will determine whether it can justify its budget, with projections of $50 million by Sunday. Meanwhile, the success of "Toy Story 5" and "Disclosure Day" suggests that family-friendly and nostalgic appeals remain strong in the current market.
The film’s reception also raises questions about the viability of female-led superhero projects in an industry dominated by male-centric franchises. As Salon.com’s review concluded, "Supergirl" represents a "conspiracy for the studio to relieve itself of women-led films," a sentiment that underscores the ongoing challenges for diversity and innovation in blockbuster cinema.
"Supergirl" is available on Variety, Deadline, Salon.
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