A new report from Cosmic Book News suggests Warner Bros. Discovery is growing uneasy about Supergirl, the upcoming DCU film meant to help lead the next chapter of James Gunn’s superhero universe. They reported this week that the latest industry note from Puck News labeled the movie a “pricey risk,” signaling that the studio views the project as a financial gamble at a time when investors and new ownership are watching closely.
Puck made the observation while covering the collapse of The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s feminist reimagining of the classic monster story. That movie opened to only $7 million domestically on a reported $92 million budget, which drew widespread attention as one of Warner Bros.’ biggest recent misfires. The outlet argued that the studio still faces several major risks on its 2026 schedule, including Supergirl, Tom Cruise’s Digger, and J.J. Abrams’s The Great Beyond.
The warning stands out because Supergirl is supposed to help define the future of Gunn’s DCU, now under the merged ownership of Paramount Skydance. Instead, insiders increasingly describe it as the potential weak link in Warner Bros.’ superhero lineup. Recent chatter in the trade press has pointed out fan backlash over the first trailer, criticism of the tone, and confusion about whether the movie actually follows the Woman of Tomorrow comic storyline that inspired it.
Behind the scenes, reports claim the movie’s production has faced creative turbulence, including rumors about villain changes and Gunn’s heavy imprint on the script. Some industry voices worry his familiar mix of sardonic humor and moral messaging may be wearing thin with audiences. Viewership drops for Peacemaker season two and online backlash against the Lanterns trailer have further fueled doubts.
Compounding the problem, Gunn’s Superman underperformed at the box office last year, failing to reignite the franchise in the way Warner Bros. had hoped. That disappointment puts sharper pressure on Supergirl, particularly after high-profile flops like The Marvels and Madame Web raised questions about the profitability of female-led superhero films.
Marketing is expected to ramp up in April, with DC promoting Supergirl during Superman Day events. Gunn’s next project, Man of Tomorrow, begins filming around the same time, leading many to expect cross-promotion between the two titles. David Corenswet, who plays Superman, will also appear in Supergirl.
Still, if audience reaction remains cold or controversy returns, Warner Bros. may find itself spotlighting a movie industry watchers already consider risky. The studio cannot afford another major stumble as it navigates a corporate transition and attempts to rebuild its superhero brand. For now, all eyes remain on Supergirl, scheduled to hit theaters June 26, 2026. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie, written by Ana Nogueira, and stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa as Lobo.
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