A promotional 3D drink cup released by the Mexican theater chain Cinépolis for the recently released "Supergirl" movie has become a subject of intense online scrutiny and ridicule. The cup, intended to feature the superheroine in a trench coat, has been widely interpreted by internet users as resembling male anatomy due to its skin-toned, folded plastic design.
The controversy gained significant traction on social media platforms, with numerous videos and comments dissecting the cup's appearance. One TikTok video discussing the cup garnered 6.4 million views, while social media users on platforms like Instagram and Reddit have posted humorous and critical remarks about the design. Comments have ranged from questioning the resemblance to a foreskin and veins to suggesting intentional provocation by the designers.
Even the film's stars have weighed in on the controversial merchandise. David Corenswet, who stars as Superman in the upcoming DC Universe reboot and also appears in "Supergirl," expressed his displeasure with the cup. "I don’t like that one bit," Corenswet told Entertainment Tonight, adding that he "don’t understand, and I don’t think I want it explained." His co-star Nicholas Hoult also reacted with discomfort to the item.
This incident is not the first time movie merchandise has faced accusations of being inappropriate or intentionally provocative. The article notes previous examples, such as the "Dune: Part Two" sandworm popcorn bucket and a "The Odyssey" Trojan horse bucket with a similarly criticized design. Popcorn buckets, in particular, have become a significant area for collectible movie merchandise, with chains like AMC releasing numerous designs for both new and anniversary films.
The "Supergirl" cup is reportedly being sold for $24.99. Despite the widespread mockery, some collectors appear to be purchasing the item, with some acknowledging the design's controversial nature while still finding it appealing. The film itself, starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, has achieved significant box office success, grossing $13 million on its opening day and generating over $100 million in media value from its promotional partner campaign, described as DC Studios' largest ever. The studio's promotional efforts for "Supergirl" have been extensive, with a wide range of merchandise available including T-shirts, posters, and phone cases, in addition to the controversial cup.