‘Supergirl’ Now Streaming on HBO Max Milly Alcock’s DCU Debut Gets a Second Chance

DC Studios’ revamped cinematic universe has gained traction since James Gunn and Peter Safran took charge, launching last year’s well-received ‘Superman’ as the cornerstone for what followed. Expanding this universe further required shining a light on one of its most awaited new heroes, and audiences finally had that opportunity back in June.

That film was ‘Supergirl,’ the second theatrical release in Gunn’s DC Universe and part of the studio’s broader Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate. Directed by Craig Gillespie and penned by Ana Nogueira, the movie featured Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, taking her cousin Superman’s narrative into an entirely new realm of the galaxy.

Now, after a brief theatrical run, ‘Supergirl’ has officially arrived on HBO Max, streaming exclusively on the platform starting Thursday, September 10. HBO will also broadcast the film on its linear channel two days later, on Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET, with an American Sign Language version performed by Catalene Sacchetti also available on HBO Max the same day.

The film follows Kara as she departs Earth and ventures into space alongside Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young alien girl seeking vengeance against Krem of the Yellow Hill, the man responsible for her father’s murder. Throughout her journey, Kara encounters Jason Momoa’s Lobo, while David Corenswet reprises his role as Superman, linking the film back to the broader universe established by Gunn with last year’s release.

Despite the ambitious nature of the project, ‘Supergirl’ faced significant challenges at the box office. The film opened to just $37.1 million domestically against a reported production budget of $170 to 186 million, ultimately accumulating a worldwide total of approximately $126.4 million, a figure that fell short of profitability once marketing expenses were included.

Critical reception was mixed, with the film currently holding a 53 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer alongside a stronger 72 percent audience Popcornmeter score. Alcock’s performance has been highlighted as one of the film’s standout features, even by critics who found other elements of the story less engaging.

However, not all reviewers were critical. In a four-star review, Get Your Comic On praised the film as “a phenomenally fun time at the movies, anchored by an incredible performance from Milly Alcock,” further noting that it “breaks new ground by taking DC’s characters out into space, infinitely widening the scope of the burgeoning DCU.”

This kind of acclaim suggests the film’s streaming debut could provide it a genuine second chance to reach its audience. Unlike a crowded summer box office where ‘Supergirl’ had to compete directly with other blockbusters, HBO Max offers a more relaxed environment where curious viewers can determine for themselves whether the film’s mixed theatrical reception was warranted.

It’s also important to note that Alcock’s journey as Kara Zor-El isn’t concluding here. She has already confirmed her return in the upcoming DCU Superman sequel ‘Man of Tomorrow,’ set for release in 2027, allowing the character ample opportunity for development regardless of how this initial outing performed commercially.

For a studio still in the early stages of rebuilding its shared universe, a modest box office setback doesn’t necessarily indicate long-term issues, especially with a performance as well-received as Alcock’s leading the character moving forward. Streaming figures in the upcoming weeks will likely provide a clearer understanding of just how much of an audience ‘Supergirl’ can still attract.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.