Supergirl's Rotten Tomatoes Score is a Major Hurdle For Gunn's DCU

James Gunn and Peter Safraan's rebooted DC universe was off to an encouraging start, with Creature Commandos, Peacemaker Season 2, and Superman all restoring confidence in a superhero franchise that had previously been plagued with uneven entries. The first true test of whether that success could be replicated was Supergirl, and the movie carried enormous expectations. Not only is it the second theatrical release in the DCU, but it's also tasked with proving the rebooted franchise can thrive beyond its flagship hero.

Supergirl is a gritty superhero movie following Kara Zor-El, a hardened survivor who spent her youth witnessing planetary tragedy. Many have praised Milly Alcock's leading performance, but the film itself has drawn plenty of criticism. A mixed Rotten Tomatoes score is far from a death sentence, though it does create an early obstacle for a franchise that's still trying to win back audiences after the turbulence of the DCEU.

Supergirl's Reactions Are Far More Divided Than Superman's

Supergirl's Rotten Tomatoes Score is Currently At 59%

Currently, Supergirl's Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 59% from more than 180 reviews, placing it firmly among the more divisive superhero releases of the past few years. The consensus is that Supergirl is an entertaining, if uneven, entry. Across several reviews, one point of agreement has emerged: Milly Alcock is an excellent Supergirl. Critics have consistently praised her charisma and emotional performance, with Jason Mamoa's debut as Lobo also getting positive mentions. However, many reviews argue that the film struggles with pacing, features a forgettable antagonist, and never quite reaches the emotional heights of the Woman of Tomorrow source material.

This divided reception is also reflected in online discussions. Across Reddit, X, and other social platforms, many fans have defended Alcock while expressing disappointment with Supergirl's script and execution. Others, however, have argued that the reception is far too harsh, believing critics have undervalued a fun space adventure that purposefully differs in tone from Superman. The film has frequently faced targeted, often sexist, backlash online, and some fans have rightfully criticized the body-shaming and unwarranted criticism of a female-led superhero movie. Early audience reactions have generally been warmer, but Supergirl hasn't helped generate excitement for the DCU's next chapter.

Why Supergirl Creates a Hurdle For James Gunn's DCU

It's Only the DCU's Second Theatrical Release

Unfortunately, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 59% isn't likely to inspire confidence among casual moviegoers deciding whether to buy a ticket. Female-led superhero movies have been the center of online culture-war discourse, with projects like She-Hulk attracting waves of bad-faith commentary alongside genuine critiques. It's no reason to dismiss legitimate concerns around Supergirl, but it does raise potential issues surrounding the future of female-led superhero movies, as one film's middling reception can become representative of an entire category and cause studios to believe audiences simply aren't interested in female heroes.

James Gunn has repeatedly emphasized the DCU would prioritize strong scripts over rushing into production, and after Superman generated tons of goodwill, fans quickly shifted toward the idea that the DCU had solved the problems of the DCEU. A mixed critical response to the DCU's second theatrical release understandably raises questions about whether that momentum can be sustained, and while Supergirl may still earn a more positive audience reception, it does mean Gunn has lost the luxury of consistent praise.