The latest Supergirl trailer resembles a blend of John Wick with a Guardians of the Galaxy film.

      DC has released another trailer for the Supergirl film, and if you were hoping for something drastically different, you might want to temper your expectations. Starring Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) as Kara Zor-El, the movie includes space bars, emotional struggles, and a dog in danger. Supergirl is set to premiere in theaters on June 26, 2026, directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) with a script by Ana Nogueira (The Vampire Diaries).

      The trailer quickly establishes its premise, heavily referencing its source material. Supergirl is a live-action adaptation of Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed 2022 comic, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The film closely mirrors the comic's storyline, featuring Supergirl (Kara) embarking on a revenge-fueled journey through space with her faithful dog, Krypto.

      Kara Zor-El, portrayed by Alcock, encounters Ruthye (Eve Ridley), an alien girl seeking vengeance against Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), a malevolent pirate-assassin who killed her father. Their initial confrontation with Krem turns disastrous as he shoots Krypto with a poison dart, leaving the beloved super-dog with only three days to live unless Kara can find the antidote.

      This scenario essentially sets the stage for a John Wick-style narrative. Krypto's role isn’t merely for emotional support; he serves as the emotional catalyst. With the dog hurt, the whole galaxy is about to face the consequences. Kara and Ruthye team up, traverse various planets, battle space pirates, and encounter Jason Momoa’s Lobo—a boisterous, reckless bounty hunter on a motorcycle who wasn't present in the original comic but seems to be a delightful addition here.

      The cast also includes David Krumholtz as Kara’s father Zor-El, Emily Beecham as her mother, Alura In-Ze, and a cameo from David Corenswet as Superman/Kal-El. The trailer effectively showcases the action, conveying a sense of grandeur with an energetic vibe, and Alcock appears more than capable of leading a film of this nature. However, once the initial excitement wears off, an unsettling thought arises.

      Wait, does this feel like Guardians of the Galaxy?

      This is where things become a bit uncomfortable. While the trailer is visually appealing, it doesn’t present anything particularly original.

      Supergirl is the first significant DCU movie not directed by James Gunn. The drawback is that it resembles the very first MCU film that Gunn directed. From the outset, the tone is reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. Consequently, Gillespie’s interpretation of Kara Zor-El feels less like a fresh venture for the DCU and more like a compilation of Gunn’s previous works.

      Let’s point out the similarities: Supergirl dons a trench coat, wears orange headphones, and carries the emotional burden of a destroyed home planet. Sound familiar? Star-Lord might want his character arc back! Both characters grapple with emotional scars from childhood—Kara from the obliteration of Krypton and Peter Quill from his mother’s death—and both cope by embodying the coolest figure in whichever alien bar they find themselves.

      Then there are the alien worlds at play. The scenes feature a gritty space environment, vibrant alien bars, chaotic worlds resembling junkyards, and a soundtrack that seems to have plundered someone’s retro music collection. The aesthetic evokes the kind of lovable messiness that set Guardians apart in 2014.

      Interestingly, what appears to be missing is the striking visual style that made Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow so unique in the comics. Bilquis Evely’s artwork was characterized by a jagged energy, and Matheus Lopes’ bold color choices with bright oranges, teal greens, muted golds, and prominent pinks gave it an unrivaled appearance. The film nods to this palette but opts for a more subdued look, resulting in a visual experience that feels more akin to a Guardians sequel than an adaptation of one of the most visually stunning comics of the past decade.

      Additionally, there’s the inclusion of a CGI animal sidekick, as if no space adventure is complete without one. Rocket had his moment; now it’s Krypto’s turn. The introduction of Lobo's character only amplifies the Guardians of the Galaxy vibes. With a ragtag group, a found-family dynamic, and a CGI animal at the emotional core, it’s a formula that proved successful for Gunn in 2014. Utilizing it so early in his DCU journey feels like a risky move.

      And yes, the entire “travel to the ends of the universe to save your dog” premise unmistakably echoes the John Wick narrative in space. Which is entertaining! But it’s borrowed entertainment.

      Perhaps Supergirl will surprise us upon its release.

      To be fair, this is just a trailer. Trailers excel at capturing moods rather than exploring depth.