DC Studios tested competing cuts of Supergirl—one from director Craig Gillespie and one from the studio—amid creative friction that significantly impacted the film’s development. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio ultimately favored its own version, which outperformed the director’s cut by two points in test screenings, leading to the theatrical release of the version seen in late June.
Why did DC Studios test competing cuts of Supergirl?
Creative misalignment between director Craig Gillespie and DC Studios leadership, including James Gunn and Peter Safran, prompted the rare move to test two separate versions of the film. Reports from The Hollywood Reporter indicate that while friction is common in major studio productions, the relationship between the director and the studio was described by sources as not being “creatively aligned.”
The decision to pit the two cuts against one another occurred after the film struggled to break 70 out of 100 points in early test screenings. The studio-led version, developed with assistance from writer Jeremy Slater, eventually won out. Sources noted that if Gillespie held strong views on the film’s direction during post-production, he would have to advocate for any changes.
One anonymous filmmaker told The Hollywood Reporter that while such friction happens, “it’s not normal,” and that if a studio is going to put money into the test process, it means they feel strongly about certain things.
How did creative differences affect the film’s final edit?
The differences between the two versions were most notable in runtime and character focus. Reports suggest Gillespie’s cut was approximately 11 minutes longer than the studio’s version. Additionally, the director’s cut placed a greater emphasis on the antagonist, Krem, played by Matthias Schoenaerts.
Music choices also became a point of contention. While fans have criticized the inclusion of a cover of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” in the theatrical release, sources confirm this was a specific creative choice made by James Gunn. During a February screening, the same scene featured Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” a song also selected by Gunn before he swapped it out for The Middle.
What is the financial outlook for the DCU’s new hero?
Supergirl faces significant financial challenges following its June 26 premiere. Reports indicate that Warner Bros. and DC Studios could stand to lose more than $100 million from its time in theaters. Critical reception has also been mixed, with IGN awarding the film a 6/10, noting that “Milly Alcock’s great take on Kara Zor-El gets lost in the spare parts from other movies used to assemble her story.”
Pro Tips: Understanding Studio Dynamics
- Creative Alignment: Creative differences had the crew battling to choose a direction for the film.
- Test Screening Data: Some winter screenings returned test scores in the low 70s.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who directed the version of Supergirl that hit theaters?
- The theatrical release was the version chosen by DC Studios after it outperformed Gillespie’s cut in head-to-head testing.
- Why was the film’s soundtrack controversial?
- Fans have poked fun at the film’s soundtrack, with its use of a cover of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” being especially controversial.
- Was the studio aware of the film’s issues early on?
- Yes, DC Studios reportedly identified issues as early as the fall of 2025, just a few months after filming finished that May.
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