Overview
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow draws significant inspiration from the classic story True Grit, featuring a vengeful hero on a quest to assist a young girl.
- Directed by Craig Gillespie, the anticipated Supergirl film promises to delve into themes of vengeance and justice within a cosmic narrative.
- Fans are eager for this innovative adaptation, appreciating its connections to the iconic Western novel while looking forward to creative twists.
When James Gunn shared a teaser image of Milly Alcock dressed as Kara Zor-El on Instagram, fans quickly drew parallels to the Coen brothers’ True Grit, speculating that it revealed hints about the forthcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. As far-fetched as it may sound, there appears to be merit in their observations.
Gunn’s Supergirl: A Cosmic Twist on a Classic
The comic series from 2021 reimagines Supergirl—not just as Superman’s optimistic relative—but thrusts her into a galactic quest driven by the desire for revenge. Accompanied by Ruthye, an alien girl whose father has been killed by a warlord named Krem of the Yellow Hills, Supergirl embarks on a blood-soaked journey.
Although Gunn will not direct the film, he is involved in its creation as the co-CEO of DC Studios and is shaping its direction as a producer. He has made it clear that this rendition of Supergirl diverges significantly from the portrayal seen in the CW’s Supergirl. This narrative presents Kara Zor-El as a character who has experienced hardship—having survived on a fragment of Krypton that lingered longer than most, she has witnessed devastation before arriving on Earth. This backstory informs her darker worldview.
The film is set to become the second major live-action installment in Gunn’s re-envisioned DC Universe, following this summer’s Superman film starring David Corenswet. In the lead role of Supergirl, Milly Alcock, known for her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, was cast, a choice Gunn confirmed in early January 2024. A recent behind-the-scenes glimpse shared on Instagram rekindled discussions about the connections to True Grit.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Feelings About the Comic’s Influence
Discussion on platforms like Reddit reflects a range of opinions regarding the comic’s themes and the direction Gunn may take. One user voiced that while they appreciated the comic’s artistic merit, it felt like an adaptation of True Grit transported to space. Another added that the storyline comes across as almost a sci-fi reimagining, yet acknowledged its beauty.
Despite the clear influences, some fans are hopeful that Gunn and the screenwriter, Ana Nogueira, will deviate from traditional narratives. “This adaptation could benefit from creative adjustments,” remarked one user, recognizing the potential for a cosmic reinterpretation of a Western tale. Speculation about Lobo’s (played by Jason Momoa) involvement further fuels theories that changes are underway.
Is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Just True Grit in Space?
Cori McCreery analyzed the notable comparisons between True Grit and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in an article for Women Write About Comics, raising an important question about the thin line between homage and plagiarism.
The comic portrays Supergirl’s journey beginning on a desolate alien world drenched in a red sun, where she seeks solace in alcohol—an intriguing parallel to Rooster Cogburn’s whiskey-laden weariness from True Grit. Kara Zor-El’s character is similarly fractured and hesitant to take on the role of savior. When approached by Ruthye Marye Knoll, who seeks vengeance for her father, Supergirl’s initial response is reluctance, hesitance, and dissent before finally agreeing to lend her support.
This reluctant partnership triggers an adventure reminiscent of that experienced by Mattie Ross (played by Hailee Steinfeld in the 2010 film), with Ruthye demonstrating a like-minded determination and unwavering resolve. Her formal, elevated narration reflects the gravitas of a Western epic with a hint of mythic flair, paralleling Mattie’s distinctive voice in the source material.
Despite one story being rooted in the American frontier and the other orbiting across alien realms, the narrative similarities are significant. Both plots center on determined young girls in search of justice, accompanying a reluctant, emotionally scarred mentor. In True Grit, Mattie journeys through lawless territory with the battle-hardened Rooster Cogburn, whilst in Woman of Tomorrow, Ruthye traverses surreal worlds accompanied by a grieving Supergirl, with her Kryptonian ideals challenged at every encounter.
Both narratives examine the complexities of revenge versus righteousness: Mattie sacrifices her arm, while Ruthye confronts the potential loss of her innocence. Moreover, both mentors undergo transformative arcs—Rooster rediscovers his commitment to justice, while Supergirl reconnects with hope through Ruthye’s belief in her. Thematically, they intertwine the essence of coming-of-age tales with morally ambiguous quandaries, although Woman of Tomorrow amplifies these issues within a cosmic context.
Comparative Analysis: True Grit vs. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
The Fandom’s Take: Anticipation for Gunn’s Vision
Excitement among DC fans is palpable on Reddit, where enthusiasts engage in discussions analyzing lighting and visual elements in the Coen Brothers’ True Grit, comparing them to images from the teaser featuring Alcock. More critically, they recognize that the narrative structure mirrors Portis’ original work closely—encompassing character development, story arcs, and emotional beats.
This level of in-depth analysis showcases a dedicated fanbase that not only anticipates but actively engages with the adaptation of Supergirl, underscoring a collective willingness to explore its Western roots. Such enthusiasm indicates that Gunn’s vision may meet or exceed already high expectations for box office success.
With a scheduled release date of June 26, 2026, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow promises to be an unconventional exploration of Superman-related storytelling. Under Craig Gillespie’s direction, with Milly Alcock in the titular role and Gunn at the helm of the universe’s broader vision, this portrayal of Kara Zor-El is evolving into a narrative that may resemble more of a cosmic Western than the traditional superhero template associated with Superman.