The new Supergirl trailer resembles a crossover between John Wick and a Guardians of the Galaxy film.

      DC has released another trailer for the Supergirl movie, and if you were anticipating something radically different, it's best to temper those expectations. The film, featuring Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) in the role of Kara Zor-El, includes elements such as space bars, emotional trauma, and a dog in danger. Supergirl is set to premiere in theaters on June 26, 2026, directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya), with a screenplay written by Ana Nogueira (The Vampire Diaries).

      Krypto is attacked, leading Supergirl to unleash her fury – here’s a breakdown of the trailer.

      The new trailer promptly establishes its premise, heavily relying on the source material. Supergirl is a live-action adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2022 comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely. The film closely follows the comic's storyline, with Supergirl (Kara) journeying through space for revenge alongside her devoted dog, Krypto.

      Alcock's Kara Zor-El encounters Ruthye (Eve Ridley), an alien girl seeking vengeance against Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), a pirate-assassin responsible for her father's death. Their first confrontation with Krem ends badly when he shoots Krypto with a poison dart, leaving only three days to find an antidote to save the beloved super-dog.

      Essentially, this mirrors a John Wick scenario. Krypto isn't merely there for emotional support; he serves as the emotional catalyst. Someone has hurt the dog, and now the entire galaxy will face the consequences. Kara and Ruthye join forces, traveling between planets, facing space pirates, and encountering Jason Momoa’s Lobo—a loud, reckless biker bounty hunter who, while not part of the original comic, appears to be a fun addition to the mix.

      The cast includes David Krumholtz as Kara's father Zor-El, Emily Beecham as her mother Alura In-Ze, and a cameo by David Corenswet as Superman/Kal-El. The trailer effectively showcases the action, presenting a grand scale, an energetic vibe, and Alcock clearly has the ability to lead a film of this nature. However, as the initial excitement subsides, a troubling question arises.

      Wait, does this feel like Guardians of the Galaxy all over again?

      This is where things become a bit awkward. While the trailer appears impressive, it doesn't feel fresh.

      Supergirl marks the first major DCU film that James Gunn isn't directing. The issue is that it seems reminiscent of the first MCU film Gunn actually helmed. From the outset, the tone is similar to Guardians of the Galaxy, making Gillespie's take on Kara Zor-El feel more like a rehash of Gunn’s previous work rather than a fresh direction for the DCU.

      Let’s address the obvious: Supergirl dons a trench coat, sporting orange headphones while bearing the emotional weight of a lost home. Sound familiar? Star-Lord might want his character arc back! Both characters are emotionally impaired by childhood trauma—Kara’s experience of Krypton's destruction and Peter Quill's mother's death—and they both cope by being the coolest presence in whatever alien bar they find themselves in.

      Then there are the alien worlds. The film features a makeshift space setting, neon-lit bars, and gritty worlds resembling junkyards, all set to a soundtrack that echoes a retro playlist. The aesthetics reflect the same charming messiness that defined Guardians when it debuted in 2014.

      Interestingly, what is getting overshadowed is the unique visual style that made Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow stand out in the comics. Evely’s artwork possessed a sharp, vibrant energy, while Lopes’ color choices—bold oranges, teal greens, sickly golds, and pronounced pinks—created an exceptional look. The film acknowledges this color palette but opts for a muted and foggy appearance. Visually, it resembles a Guardians sequel more than an adaptation of one of the decade's most stunning comics.

      Additionally, the inclusion of a CGI animal companion, a staple for space adventures, feels like a familiar trope. While Rocket had his time, Krypto is now center stage. The introduction of Lobo's character further enhances the Guardians vibe, featuring a ragtag group, a found-family theme, and a CGI animal as the emotional core; this formula proved successful for Gunn in 2014, but replicating it so soon into his DCU tenure seems risky.

      And yes, the entire "going to great lengths to save your dog" plot is undeniably reminiscent of John Wick in space. Fun? Certainly! But it feels borrowed.

      Perhaps Supergirl will surprise us upon release.

      To be fair, this remains just a trailer. Trailers excel at showcasing tone rather than depth. With a release date of June 26, there is ample time for the film to establish its unique identity beyond what brief clips can convey