For decades, Supergirl has existed in Superman’s shadow, often tethered to Earth, Metropolis, and her cousin’s orbit, both figuratively and literally. However, the DC Universe as created by James Gunn is severing that cord. The DCU is not merely providing Kara Zor-El with a solo outing with the upcoming ‘Supergirl’ movie, but rather an entirely new universe to call home.
During a global teaser trailer launch event and press conference moderated by Gunn himself, one creative choice stood out as quietly radical: ‘Supergirl’ will not take place on Earth at all. Not briefly, partially, or even to pay a sentimental visit. Rather, the movie will be presented entirely in outer space, across several planets, suns, species, and civilizations. It is a choice that instantly divides the path of Kara and Superman. And in the process, it enables Supergirl to be what she has rarely been given the chance to be on screen: her own kind of hero.
Why ‘Supergirl’ Doesn’t Need Earth At All
James Gunn and director Craig Gillespie were refreshingly direct when asked what might surprise fans coming off the 2025 ‘Superman‘ movie. Once Gillespie admitted that the tone itself would be different, he dropped the line that would alter everything: “The whole movie takes place in outer space.” Gunn was not afraid to support it. Moreover, he made it clear that the space setting is central to the identity of the film as a space fantasy.
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This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a mission statement. ‘Supergirl’ avoids a comparison trap that has haunted the character in the past by completely eliminating Earth as a variable in the equation. Kara is no longer Superman but younger, or in his shadow. She is a traveler, a person who is not formed by one adopted world, but by the perpetual movement through the new ones. Gunn affirmed that Kara will jump between planets with red suns, which suppress her Kryptonian powers, and yellow suns, which boost them, none of which are Earth.
That fact in itself redefines the relationship between Kara and her powers. Kara is in flux, unlike Clark Kent, who grew up stable and grounded under a yellow sun. Some worlds weaken her. Others amplify her. None offers permanence. Emotionally, that’s huge. It proposes a variant of Supergirl that is not in search of normalcy, but survival. Where Superman is a symbol of assimilation and hope, Supergirl is a symbol of perseverance in a multitude of communities.
Gillespie described it as “a very different world to start with,” and that difference appears to be the entire point. The space environment also enables the DCU to grow externally rather than internally. It is now possible to explore new alien cultures, politics, dangers, and moral dilemmas without basing every story on Earth-based concerns. To a large extent, this strategy resembles the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies, another Gunn-produced franchise.
James Gunn And Craig Gillespie On Why ‘Woman Of Tomorrow’ Is The Ideal Blueprint For ‘Supergirl’
The creative team has been careful to manage expectations surrounding the film’s comic inspiration, ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’. Although the book is an obvious influence, both Gunn and Gillespie emphasized that the movie is not a one-to-one adaptation. Indeed, Gillespie read the script deliberately before touching the comic. His argument is eye-opening: he wanted to experience the story as an audience member without prior lore bias. The film’s philosophy is eloquently expressed in that way.
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“I very deliberately read Ana’s script before I read the comic,” Gillespie shared at the CCXP. “Because I wanted to see how that would hold up when I didn’t know anything about this, like the Supergirl lore.” This ‘Supergirl’ is being constructed to stand alone, even for those viewers who do not know Kara’s long history. Gillespie admitted that readers of Woman of Tomorrow might see variations, but framed those changes as evolution rather than deviation. This was also shared by Gunn, who pointed out the significance of Bilquis Evely’s artwork.
This equilibrium of respecting the comic and escaping it reflects the bigger strategy of the movie. As Kara abandons Earth, the movie abandons the notion that Supergirl is supposed to be defined by proximity, whether it is to Superman or to legacy structures that no longer benefit her. The same decision further intensifies the emotional contrast between Kara and Clark. Superman feels at home on Earth. He chose it. Kara didn’t. And that perhaps is the most human thing about her.
