The first reactions to Supergirl have finally arrived, and they are not quite as unanimous as the early excitement surrounding the film suggested.
The strongest agreement is around Milly Alcock’s performance as Kara Zor-El. Jason Momoa’s debut as Lobo is also receiving plenty of praise, while the film itself is being described as entertaining, emotional, and visually ambitious—but not always consistent.
The first reactions were collected and reported by Variety’s Simon Thompson on June 19, 2026, after the social media embargo lifted. Thompson called the film “pacey fun” and praised Alcock, Momoa, the action, humor, production design, and practical elements.
That positive response is balanced by criticism of the villain, some adaptation choices, and the movie’s uneven tone.
Milly Alcock Seems to Be Winning Over Critics
The clearest praise has gone to Milly Alcock, who plays Kara Zor-El as a more damaged, rebellious, and emotionally complicated hero than audiences may expect.
Germain Lussier of Gizmodo and io9 described the film as “highly enjoyable,” adding that it does not quite carry the same resonance as Superman but works as a companion piece with stronger character relationships and considerable emotional weight.
Rachel Leishman of The Mary Sue also praised the film’s approach to Kara, writing that Supergirl makes it clear that Kara is not simply a female version of Clark Kent. Her reaction emphasized the character’s messiness and individuality rather than presenting her as another perfectly composed superhero.
That distinction appears to be one of the film’s most successful choices. This version of Supergirl is not defined by optimism or polished heroism. She is angry, lonely, reckless, and still carrying the trauma of losing her home.
David Crow of Den of Geek went even further, calling the film “the superhero movie I’ve missed” and praising it as a straightforward, emotional story. Crow also said Alcock “absolutely owns the role” and could change how audiences view Supergirl.
Those reactions suggest that Alcock has given the character a strong identity of her own.
Jason Momoa’s Lobo Might Steal the Movie
Jason Momoa’s Lobo is another major highlight in the early responses.
Chris Killian of ComicBook described Momoa as having “the fraggin’ time of his life” in the role, while also praising the film’s practical effects. Owen Gleiberman of Variety similarly said Momoa gives the film “a jolt of untidy energy.”
That description fits the character’s reputation. Lobo is supposed to be loud, violent, unpredictable, and completely unconcerned with behaving like a conventional hero. Momoa’s performance appears to lean directly into that chaos.
Michael Sowell of Nerdspin called Momoa “an absolute standout” and said the actor proves he was born to play the intergalactic mercenary. Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence also praised the performance, saying it reminded her that Momoa works best when he is allowed to be completely unhinged.
Not every reaction suggested that Lobo is used as effectively as he could be. Ian Sandwell of Digital Spy found the character fun but questioned whether audiences would want to see an entire movie built around this version of him.
Still, the consensus is clear enough: Momoa appears to be one of the film’s most entertaining elements.
Critics Are More Divided on the Movie Itself
The praise becomes less consistent when reactions move beyond the performances.
Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky called Supergirl “a mixed bag.” She praised both Alcock and Momoa but argued that adaptation choices and a bland villain prevented the film from reaching its full potential.
That criticism is echoed in several other reactions. The movie is based heavily on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, but some viewers feel the adaptation does not fully preserve the complexity of the source material.
The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney praised Momoa’s introduction as Lobo but described the film as visually drab, suggesting that the character’s arrival provides one of the movie’s few real bursts of excitement.
The early responses therefore do not point to a universal critical triumph. They describe a film with strong central performances and several memorable sequences, but also one that struggles with its villain, pacing, and tonal balance.
Why the Film Feels Different From Superman
One of the more consistent observations is that Supergirl does not attempt to repeat the tone of James Gunn’s Superman.
The film follows Kara on a dangerous journey across space alongside Ruthye, a young girl seeking revenge after a personal tragedy. The story is rooted in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which gives the movie a more cosmic, road-movie structure than a traditional superhero origin story.
Germain Lussier specifically noted that the film is more emotional than expected and that its stronger relationships help the action carry greater impact. David Crow also praised the way the story presents Kara through Ruthye’s perspective.
That gives the film a different identity from Superman. Clark’s story was built around hope, public responsibility, and the challenge of living up to an ideal. Kara’s story appears more concerned with grief, anger, revenge, and the difficulty of deciding what kind of person she wants to become.
That difference could help the new DC Universe avoid making every project feel like the same superhero formula.
The Emotional Side May Be Stronger Than the Spectacle
Although the early reactions mention action, humor, and large-scale cosmic environments, some of the most positive comments focus on the relationships.
The bond between Kara and Ruthye appears to be central to the film, while Kara’s history and emotional damage give Alcock more to play than a straightforward superhero role.
Lussier described the movie as emotionally resonant, while Crow praised its poignancy and the way Ruthye’s perspective shapes the story. TheWrap’s William Bibbiani also highlighted the film’s character work and emotional stakes in his early response, even while acknowledging its uneven execution.
That may be the most important part of the reaction. The film does not seem to be winning people over simply because it contains another DC hero. It is winning them over when it allows Kara to be flawed, difficult, and vulnerable.
What the Reactions Mean for DC’s Future
The early response is not perfect, but it is encouraging in the areas that matter most for a character-driven franchise launch.
Milly Alcock appears to have established a distinct version of Supergirl. Jason Momoa’s Lobo is generating strong excitement. The film’s cosmic setting, emotional relationships, and rougher tone also help separate it from Superman.
At the same time, the mixed comments about the villain and adaptation choices suggest that the film may not be as polished or consistently effective as some fans hoped.
The first reactions therefore point toward a movie with a strong central performance and plenty of personality rather than an uncontested blockbuster masterpiece. If general audiences respond to Alcock the way early viewers have, Supergirl could still become an important part of James Gunn’s long-term DC plans—even if the film itself receives a more divided reception.
