Supergirl’s opening weekend collected just $38 million domestically, falling below even the most cautious forecasts and overshadowed by other releases. DC Studios hoped to build on Superman’s success, but these startling numbers point to serious questions about the future for its emerging superhero slate.
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SUPERGIRL’s Box Office Stumbles Hard as Opening Weekend Falls Below MORBIUS and Even SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY Pre-Sales
Photo by Geektyrant
Key Takeaways:
- Supergirl opened at $38 million domestically, far below initial expectations
- Its production budget stands between $170 million and $186 million
- The film’s performance fell behind The Marvels, Morbius, and even Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s pre-sales
- DC remains committed to star Milly Alcock, who will appear in Man of Tomorrow
- Executives are rethinking strategies for standalone superhero films
A Disappointing Opening
Supergirl arrived in theaters with high hopes of replicating the momentum that DC’s Superman enjoyed just a year prior. However, those aspirations quickly faded when the film earned an estimated $38 million domestically on its opening weekend—significantly lower than the more conservative estimates floating just above $40 million.
Comparisons with Other Films
Despite Warner Bros.’ best efforts, Supergirl’s performance now ranks below other recent superhero disappointments.
Here is how it stacks up:
| Film | Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
|---|---|
| Supergirl | $38 million |
| Morbius | $39 million |
| The Marvels | $46.1 million |
| Spider-Man: Brand New Day* | $40 million (pre-sales) |
Note: Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to premiere in a month but has already surpassed Supergirl’s total with advance ticket sales.
Facing the Budget Equation
With a reported production budget that could soar as high as $186 million, a meager $38 million debut complicates the film’s road to profitability. Such a shortfall puts the movie at risk of becoming a financial burden rather than the tentpole success DC envisioned.
What This Means for Milly Alcock
Despite the film’s underwhelming reception, fans and critics have commended Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El. DC Studios confirmed her integral role in the new DC Universe well before Supergirl’s release. Alcock will return as Kara next summer in Man of Tomorrow, reaffirming the studio’s confidence in her portrayal.
Implications for DC Studios
DC Co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran face the challenge of steering a franchise that has seen recent successes alongside noticeable misfires. Gunn admitted he might avoid certain lesser-known characters in the current film climate, a strategy that could stabilize the overall DC brand moving forward.
Looking Ahead
Supergirl’s stumble does not necessarily signal a death knell for the DC Universe. Projects like Creature Commandos, Peacemaker Season 2, and forthcoming Superman stories appear to have found firmer footing with fans. Still, the studio may rely more heavily on iconic heroes—like Superman and Batman—until the brand can restore broader audience confidence.
