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.

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.”