The DC Universe is in a new era, one that is recognizable in its mythic origins but radically different in its tone, texture, and emotional foundation. As the first official look at the ‘Supergirl’ out, fans are finding out that the DCU under James Gunn is not merely adapting the comics, but is redefining the mythology itself.
And Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El seems to be one of the most obvious examples of that development. The teaser is not long, just a few seconds, but it speaks volumes.
Milly Alcock’s Raw, Unmasked Supergirl Signals A Bold New Era For The DCU
Gone is the refined Supergirl that has been the subject of decades of DC narratives. Rather, viewers are introduced to a young Kara, sitting alone at what appears to be a makeshift interstellar bus terminal. She has a hoodie on, a tired posture, and, most noticeably, no recognizable suit beneath. There’s no red collar sticking out, no cape behind her, no visual indicator that she is a superhero.
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It is the first time in a long time that Kara Zor-El is not being framed as an ideal, but as a person. And that little tweak is an indicator of a much greater change that is about to happen to the DCU. Comic book readers who followed Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will recognize the foundation of the film’s story. The DCU is not doing a one-to-one translation, though, as already confirmed by the first scene Alcock is in.
The suit Kara wears in the comics is more or less a second skin. It is always present and almost always symbolic. Whether she is out drinking in a cosmic bar, fighting in the dirt, or attempting to get some peace, the suit is always there, poking under her clothes. However, in Gunn’s version, it’s not the case. Alcock’s Kara is bare, both literally and emotionally. She is not pointing out to the world who she is. She’s not claiming the symbol of the House of El.
At the start of her story, she doesn’t even seem interested in wearing it. This is a Kara who has not yet fully transitioned into heroism. And it’s not because she does not desire to help, but because she is still bearing the burden of what she used to be on Earth. The new ‘Superman’ depicted Kal-El as a person who was formed by compassion on Earth. He was brought up in a warm and morally clear environment. However, Kara was brought up quite differently. She is informed by trauma, violence, and survival. She is older, angrier, and much more complex.
Her pose in the teaser speaks louder than any narration would. Kara is tired. She’s still healing. She is still trying to figure out who she can be. And then a ship comes before her. She doesn’t pose or burst out with Kryptonian power. She simply looks. It is a little moment, but it says a lot. This is a Supergirl whose story isn’t about learning to be like Superman. It’s about discovering who she is when she’s alone in the universe.
‘Supergirl’ Trailer To Be Played Before ‘Avatar: Ash And Fire’
After the teaser drop, James Gunn went to social media to confirm what fans had been clamoring for: the full ‘Supergirl’ teaser trailer is coming this week. He did not mention a date, but he did confirm that the trailer will be shown before ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ in theaters. The timing is no accident. The DCU is evidently prepared to lay its flag in 2026.
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The film was shot months ago under the direction of Craig Gillespie. And if the filmmakers stay true to the brutal beauty of ‘Woman of Tomorrow’, audiences are in for something far more introspective and operatic than a traditional superhero romp. Alcock had a brief appearance in Superman earlier this year. That cameo, as delightful as it was, was hardly the tip of the iceberg of what her film is trying to address. The DCU appears to be willing to adopt that darker, more emotional palette. And Milly Alcock? Even at first glance, she seems like a revelation.
