Gunn's Supergirl: A 'True Grit' Take on Cosmic Revenge

The highly anticipated Supergirl film, inspired by the acclaimed 2021 comic series 'Woman of Tomorrow,' offers a fresh, grittier take on the Kryptonian hero. Screenwriter Ana Nogueira and director Craig Gillespie aimed to capture the psychological impact of Kara Zor-El's past, drawing parallels to the classic Western "True Grit."

Nogueira initially wrote two different Supergirl movie drafts for the previous DC cinematic universe before embracing 'Woman of Tomorrow.' She found inspiration in the comic's permission to explore a more "rough around the edges" version of Supergirl, emphasizing her innate character.

Director Craig Gillespie was immediately drawn to the script's portrayal of Supergirl as a "mess" with "so much loss," but also "funny and acerbic and reckless." He envisioned a world of "dirt and grime" and "poverty and crime," delaying the hero's iconic costume to emphasize her emotional readiness.

Key creative decisions included introducing the bounty hunter Lobo, an addition not present in the graphic novel, and simplifying Supergirl's origin by having her born on Krypton rather than the post-destruction planet Argo. This simplifies her backstory and avoids complex time-warp narratives.

The film's soundtrack faced extensive discussion, ultimately landing on a slowed-down version of Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle." Test screenings led to a shorter, more aggressive cut, focusing on Kara's urgent mission and her intense, single-minded drive.

Both Nogueira and Gillespie emphasized grounding Supergirl in "human reality," notably including scenes of her urinating and vomiting to highlight her physicality. This approach, along with her deep connection to Krypto, underscores her recklessness and fatalistic outlook.

Nogueira also confirmed she is working on other DC projects, including a Teen Titans and a Wonder Woman film, stating her focus remains on personal, emotionally resonant stories that "travel" beyond lore and set pieces. Gillespie, meanwhile, prioritizes character-driven projects, regardless of scale.