DC Studios' Supergirl opened to $38 million domestically and $68 million globally in its debut weekend, falling notably short of the projected $50 million domestic target. The film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El and was produced at a cost of $170 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The result places Supergirl in a difficult financial position. According to Variety and Deadline, marketing costs brought the total spend to approximately $290 million, with the film needing a global theatrical run near $315 million to break even. Industry projections suggest losses could reach $100 million to $125 million.
DC Studios chief Peter Safran addressed the opening directly. "While Supergirl didn't meet our box office expectations, it's just one component of a broader, long-term strategy at DC Studios that we remain confident in," Safran told The Hollywood Reporter.
The contrast with the studio's preceding DCU release is stark. Superman, directed by James Gunn and released in 2025, earned $618 million globally on a $225 million budget. Supergirl represents a significant step back from that trajectory, raising questions about audience appetite for DCU characters beyond its anchoring hero.
DC Studios' next theatrical release is Clayface, set for October 2026, followed by Man of Tomorrow in July 2027. With the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger expected to close later this year, Supergirl's performance adds pressure to a studio navigating its largest transition in decades.
