Supergirl Writer Shares Insights on Sasha Calle’s Canceled DCEU Movie
Before Milly Alcock took on the role of Supergirl in DC Studios’ new universe, a very different film was in the works for Sasha Calle. Although that project was ultimately canceled, screenwriter Ana Nogueira has now shed light on just how distinct it was from the version that is set to hit theaters.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nogueira reflected on her experience crafting the original Supergirl film during the final years of the DC Extended Universe. This movie was specifically designed for Sasha Calle, who made her debut as Kara Zor-El in 2023’s ‘The Flash’. However, after James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins at DC Studios and initiated a completely new cinematic universe, those plans were abandoned.
Nogueira noted that almost none of her initial screenplay made it through the transition. “It was completely different. I don’t think I can even say what it was about, but it could not have been more different.” She emphasized that the alterations extended well beyond the storyline itself.
“Everything. Nothing transferred over from one to the other [Supergirl movie], which is crazy.”
Instead of continuing with the DCEU version, Nogueira was tasked with writing an entirely new film that would align with the rebooted DC Universe. The new movie features Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El and is inspired by Tom King’s acclaimed comic book storyline ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’.
The upcoming film follows Kara as she encounters a young alien girl named Ruthye, who is on a quest for justice after her family is murdered. Initially, Supergirl is hesitant to get involved. However, everything changes when the villain Krem poisons her loyal companion, Krypto. Kara suddenly has only a few days to find the antidote and save her dog, thrusting her into a perilous adventure across space.
Although the original Sasha Calle project never progressed, Nogueira mentioned that writing it still helped her prepare for the new version. She explained that her early work allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of Supergirl’s abilities and how to write action sequences featuring such a powerful character.
“It was useful to me. There is a real thing when you’re doing this, you have to really onboard yourself on things like power set, what these characters are capable of, what a fight would look like, how strong you want them to be.”
She continued by explaining that superhero powers are often shaped by the needs of the story.
“How strong is Superman? He’s as strong as the writer needs him to be. Do you need them to throw a planet? Then you can do it. Do you need him to get the s— kicked out of him? So that was really useful, that I knew that power set for [Supergirl] in and out.”
While Sasha Calle never received her own solo movie, she has expressed gratitude for her time playing Supergirl. Earlier this year, she told Entertainment Weekly that she is thankful for the opportunity as it opened many new doors in her career.
“I’m so, so, so utterly grateful that it’s brought me into this world where I can make art. I loved it.”
Even though fans will never see the original Supergirl movie written for Calle, Nogueira’s insights indicate that it would have offered a completely different perspective on the character. Instead, audiences are about to experience a refreshed version of Kara Zor-El as DC Studios embarks on a new chapter with ‘Supergirl’.
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