The upcoming film featuring Supergirl marks a significant moment for female-led superhero narratives, following in the wake of a cinematic history that has seen these characters emerge from the shadows of their male counterparts. Supergirl, while not the first female superhero, was the first DC or Marvel character to receive her own film in 1984. Despite its early arrival, the 1984 "Supergirl" film was not a critical or commercial success, contributing to a scarcity of female-led superhero movies for decades.
Even with the surge in superhero films in the early 2000s and the establishment of multiple cinematic universes, it took considerable time for major studios to greenlight solo projects for female characters. Early attempts like "Catwoman" and "Elektra" were met with disappointment, further discouraging investment in this area. The forthcoming "Supergirl" movie, set to be the second entry in a new DC film series, arrives after "Superman," which introduced Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El.
This new iteration of Supergirl is based on the graphic novel "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" and presents a more nuanced character than the 1984 film. The story is described as an outer-space "True Grit," with Alcock portraying Kara Zor-El as a seasoned fighter assisting a young woman on a revenge quest. This adaptation explores Kara's trauma from Krypton's destruction, differentiating her from Superman, who was sent away as an infant. The film’s setting and tone are noted to have more in common with "Star Wars" or "Mad Max" than traditional superhero fare.
A Shifting Landscape for Female Superheroes
Recent years have seen a greater willingness to feature women in leading superhero roles. "The Marvels," released in 2023, brought back Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, joined by Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani). Despite being the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film to not break $100 million at the North American box office, "The Marvels" is highlighted as an enjoyable adventure, particularly appealing to younger audiences.
Scarlett Johansson's "Black Widow" finally received a solo film, albeit as a prequel set before her character's death in "Endgame." Released as the first Marvel movie after "Endgame" and following pandemic-related theater closures, its reception was muted. However, it is praised as a top-tier Marvel entry, functioning as a pulpy spy thriller that also features significant roles for other women, including Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff.
Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn in "Birds of Prey" is seen as a successful reimagining of a classic femme-fatale character into a more sympathetic antihero. The film, which also includes strong female characters like Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett), and Montoya (Rosie Perez), is noted for its vibrant action sequences and focus on female camaraderie.
Gal Gadot's "Wonder Woman" is recognized as a landmark film, arriving 75 years after the character's comic book debut. Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film blended adventure, comedy, and romance, with Gadot earning praise for her portrayal of Diana Prince. The "No Man's Land" sequence is particularly cited for its emotional impact. While the future of the character on screen is uncertain, the 2017 film remains a significant achievement in the genre.