Supergirl, the latest entry in Warner Bros.' DC Studios universe, opened with a disappointing $38 million domestically and $30 million internationally, far below expectations. The film, starring Milly Alcock, received mixed reviews and a 'B-' CinemaScore from audiences, signaling a lack of enthusiasm among moviegoers.
The underwhelming performance follows a pattern of declining box office results for female-led superhero films, with recent releases like The Flash and The Green Lantern also struggling. Industry analysts note a broader downturn in superhero movie popularity, with the genre's annual box office revenue down approximately $3.5 billion from its 2017-2019 peak.
Box Office Context and Comparisons
Supergirl's opening weekend placed it behind competitors like Toy Story 5, which dominated with $70 million domestically and $89.1 million overseas. The film's production and marketing costs, estimated at $170 million, raise concerns about Warner Bros.' financial losses. Critics and audiences alike criticized the film's execution, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 56% fresh rating.
Studio and Creative Responses
Warner Bros. executives expressed surprise at the backlash, believing the cultural landscape had evolved beyond gender-based criticism. However, some industry observers point to online abuse targeting Milly Alcock's casting and appearance as a contributing factor. Alcock's public statements, including her declaration of her character's bisexuality, also drew attention.
Broader Industry Trends
The failure of Supergirl adds to a string of disappointing releases for DC Studios, following the underperformance of films like The Flash and Joker: Folie à Deux. Analysts suggest that superhero fatigue, along with shifting audience preferences, may be driving the decline. Meanwhile, successful female-led films like Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel remain outliers in a changing market.
Diverse Perspectives on the Flop
Some critics argue that misogyny within the fanbase contributed to the film's poor reception, citing online harassment campaigns. Others contend that the film's creative and marketing decisions were the primary factors, with audiences rejecting a product they deemed unappealing. Industry experts note that the decline in superhero movie popularity is not limited to female-led films, indicating a broader shift in consumer behavior.