Superhero fans are taught to sit through the film until the very end, but ‘Supergirl‘ does something unusual: it doesn’t have a post-credits sequence. It’s a decision that will come as a surprise to some.
However, it’s actually a continuation of the storytelling approach that James Gunn has been pushing for since launching the new DC Universe.
The Real Reason ‘Supergirl’ Doesn’t Have a Post-Credits Scene
Rather than tease out another mystery or introduce a future villain, ‘Supergirl’ ends its story before the credits roll. Kara Zor-El arrives on Earth with Krypto and chooses to stay for a while, of course, creating the hype for her next appearance without the need for an additional scene.
Related: Before ‘The Batman Part II’, Matt Reeves Has Another Dark Knight Story Ready
Kara’s final moments in the film tell you where she will go next. She has come to accept the Earth as her home, and she meets her cousin, Clark Kent, in a playful moment where Krypto wreaks havoc in the apartment.
That’s enough to get them ready for ‘Man of Tomorrow’, which has already confirmed that Kara will be coming back. The film doesn’t save that reveal for the end of the credits, but incorporates it into the story itself.
It’s a breath of fresh air and a way to return to the focus of storytelling rather than the last-minute “cliffhanger“. The audience walks out of the theatre with a full emotional experience rather than a question they can’t answer.
James Gunn’s DCU Is Avoiding One MCU Mistake
In the past, James Gunn has said that he doesn’t want to have post-credits scenes just because fans want them. For him, there should be a future payoff if it’s something that is already planned.
In case you missed it: New ‘Supergirl’ Footage Teases The Next Major Chapter In DC’s Kryptonian Story
It’s a philosophy that contrasts with several superhero franchises that made big reveals that were never realized or drastically changed. Post-credits scenes have grown more and more frustrating to fans, as they are supposed to show a promising future, but fail to get any meaningful follow-up.
By skipping a credits scene altogether, ‘Supergirl‘ stays true to that creative promise. The film leaves its conclusion open-ended, with no need for a sequel bait. It’s yet to be seen whether all future DCU films will take the same approach.
However, ‘Supergirl’ makes it clear that Gunn’s interconnected universe will focus on complete stories instead of post-credit scenes. That’s a pretty bold creative move in a genre that thrives on teases. The best way to build excitement for what’s next is sometimes just to tell a satisfying story first, and let the ending do the talking.
In case you missed it: Milly Alcock’s Approach To ‘Supergirl’ Begins By Ignoring One Major Comparison
