Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn wants the Supergirl movie to be different from Superman. Supergirl director Craig Gillespie has shared new comments about why James Gunn wants Supergirl to feel different.

Why does James Gunn want Supergirl to be unlike Superman?

Speaking with SFX (via GamesRadar), Gillespie said, “I showed all of that to James, and then I asked him, ‘How much do you want me to be in your world, coming off of Superman?’ He said, ‘Not at all. I’m approaching all of these films like they’re their own graphic novels, and every graphic novel has its own illustrator and its own writer that make it distinctive, so this is your version.’”

Gunn has always been vocal about wanting every DCU project to have a unique identity. In 2026 alone, the studio is releasing the mystery thriller Lanterns and its first horror film, Clayface. The DCU has already proven itself capable of a wide tonal range. Gunn kicked off the new universe with Peacemaker, a raunchy adult comedy, and Creature Commandos, which featured violent and mature content.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Girl of Steel’s solo film is inspired by Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which shows the Kryptonian having an edgy personality. Supergirl stands in stark contrast to her Boy Scout cousin, whom audiences met in last year’s hit film. Supergirl will return in Man of Tomorrow next year’s Man of Tomorrow, with Milly Alcock reprising the role.

Gunn also debated Gillespie over many key scenes in Supergirl, but the filmmaker has previously made clear his desire for other filmmakers to leave their own unique stamp on DCU projects. The universe is also branching out into new genres, focusing on the light-hearted Booster Gold and an unexpected crossover in the Gorilla Grodd or Jimmy Olsen show.

Supergirl releases in theaters on June 26, 2026.