Amid James Gunn’s pledge to let scripts guide every DC film, Supergirl has arrived with a less-than-enthusiastic critical response. Its polarizing reception has reignited debate about whether the new DC Universe truly puts “storytelling first.”
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James Gunn Called Out for SUPERGIRL’s “Worst Script” After Promising “Storytelling Is King”
Photo by Geektyrant
Key Takeaways:
- James Gunn’s “Storytelling is King” mantra faces scrutiny.
- Supergirl holds a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Critics have voiced strong concerns about the script.
- Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El in the second DC release under Gunn’s watch.
- The gap between Gunn’s promises and Supergirl’s reception spurs debate about the franchise’s direction.
Background on DC’s New Philosophy
When James Gunn assumed leadership at DC Studios, he pledged that each movie would be driven by the strength of its script rather than strict release dates. “It’s always gonna be quality first no matter what,” Gunn asserted, declaring unequivocally, “Storytelling is 100% king.”
Mixed Reviews and Critical Reaction
Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, arrived in theaters on June 26 as the second theatrical release in Gunn’s new DC Universe. Early reviews paint a mixed picture: the film currently holds a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with publications like Variety calling it “super-horrendous” and proclaiming it “the worst script I can remember.”
Alison Willmore of Vulture described Supergirl as “an aggressively minor movie,” while the Associated Press wrote that it “struggles to match Kara’s punk-rock energy with an equally spirited supporting cast and story.”
The Promise vs. Reality
These reactions have led some fans to question how Supergirl fits with Gunn’s vow not to move forward until a script meets high standards. The online conversation references Gunn’s previous remarks about holding back production until the creative team was “happy” and the material was deemed worthy.
Key Cast Members
Below is a quick look at the primary actors involved:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Milly Alcock | Kara Zor-El |
| Matthias Schoenaerts | Major role (undisclosed in feed) |
| Eve Ridley | Major role (undisclosed in feed) |
| Jason Momoa | Major role (undisclosed in feed) |
With Milly Alcock in the iconic role of Kara Zor-El, the film also features Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, and Jason Momoa in major roles.
Implications for the DC Universe
The unfavorable reception hasn’t quieted the loyal fan base entirely—some viewers may still find reasons to resonate with the film and its punk-rock-inspired take on Supergirl. However, the divide between Gunn’s promises and the critics’ chorus underscores the high expectations that come with such a publicly stated philosophy.
In the end, the conversation surrounding Supergirl’s reception continues to bring Gunn’s bold claims into focus. As more DC films roll out, audiences and critics alike will be watching to see if future projects better reflect Gunn’s pledge that “storytelling is king.”
