The upcoming Supergirl film is based on the acclaimed comic series Woman of Tomorrow, but director Craig Gillespie took a unique approach to the adaptation. In a recent interview, the filmmaker revealed that he intentionally avoided reading the source material during the early stages of development.
Gillespie shared that he wanted to focus entirely on the script written by Ana Nogueira. By prioritizing the screenplay, he aimed to ground the film in character and establish a specific tone before revisiting the original comic book.
Focusing on Character and Grit
During his conversation with Everyman Cinema, Gillespie explained that he wanted to find a unique visual language for the project. He noted that the script possessed a certain grit that he wanted to emphasize, particularly as the story follows Kara Zor-El across various fringe worlds. He sought to capture the texture of these environments, focusing on elements like poverty and crime to build a distinct atmosphere.
The director eventually returned to the source material after he had already developed his own visual vision for the project. He compiled approximately 120 images to present his aesthetic direction to DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran before diving back into the comic.
A New Direction for the DCU
While the film draws inspiration from the eight-issue miniseries written by Tom King, it also introduces significant changes. Most notably, the film adaptation features the DCU debut of Lobo, a character who does not appear in the original comic run. The film stars Milly Alcock in the lead role and is scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 26, 2026.
This approach highlights the challenge of adapting beloved comic book runs for the big screen. By distancing himself from the source material initially, Gillespie aimed to ensure the film stood on its own merits as a character-driven story within the broader DCU framework.
Source: Superhero Hype
