As James Gunn’s DCU begins to take definitive shape, a highly anticipated installment, 'Supergirl,' starring Milly Alcock, is set to fly into theaters worldwide on June 26, 2026. Collider visited the set in April 2025, marking the 70th day of production, and witnessing firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship and collaborative spirit that defines the film. Executive Vice President of Production Chantal Nong Vo revealed that filming would conclude with additional days at Warner Bros. Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England, before moving to Scotland and finally Iceland for on-location shoots.

'Supergirl' is consciously forging its own path, distinguishing itself from 'Superman,' which at the time of the set visit, had yet to be released and was expected to define the new DCU’s style. Directed by Craig Gillespie ('I, Tonya') and written by Ana Nogueira, the film delves into Kara Zor-El’s trauma and cynicism, shaped by the destruction of Krypton and the loss of her family. It's envisioned as an unconventional coming-of-age story where Kara, having already fought crime on Earth, must learn to embrace her superhero role with her full self. The narrative draws heavily from Tom King's acclaimed eight-issue miniseries, 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,' presenting a space western wrapped in a superhero adventure. It follows Kara's interplanetary journey with Krypto and later, Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), who seeks justice for her father's murder. A key relationship, stemming from King's original pitch, is a team-up with Lobo, played by Jason Momoa, who will have a high-impact but limited 15% presence as a bounty hunter whose goals align with Kara and Ruthye's only when it benefits him.

The production's scale at Leavesden was immense, utilizing the backlot, five sound stages, and countless smaller sets. What particularly stood out was the unwavering commitment to practical filmmaking, a choice expected to resonate strongly with fans. Production designer Neil Lamont and set decorator Lee Sandales, an Academy Award winner, collaborated to create fully realized environments, providing authenticity to Kara’s space exploration. Krypton, depicted through flashbacks, draws inspiration from classical Roman and ancient Greek architecture. The set evolved to reflect the planet’s decline, with lakes contaminated and physical decay painted onto structures, including Kara’s family apartment and escape pod, mirroring Kal-El's journey.

Kara's nomadic life is embodied by her spacefaring RV, inspired by Riggs' caravan in 'Lethal Weapon,' its interior resembling a chaotic teenager's bedroom rather than a Fortress of Solitude. Memorable modes of transport included the Wormhole Bus, an airplane-cabin-sized set packed with stunt performers in elaborate alien prosthetics, physically rattling during filming. This journey leads to a vibrant space rest stop, an "intergalactic 7-Eleven," complete with neon lights, alien snacks, and an animatronic slug that 'poops popcorn'. The most impressive set was Evely Town Square, named after 'Woman of Tomorrow' artist Bilquis Evely, which mirrored Krypton’s decline with dusty floors and rusting structures. This immersive M-stage included functioning businesses and a pub where Kara and Ruthye share disturbing-looking, yet delicious, fried eyeballs made from fondant icing.

The costume department, led by Michael Mooney, engaged in extensive collaboration to bring the characters to life. The iconic Supergirl suit, first seen in 'Superman,' went through numerous iterations. The team remained committed to the classic boots-and-skirt combination, modernizing it for movement and action. Milly Alcock’s physical training allowed for a body-close costume with minimal padding, utilizing stretch fabrics and new texture-printing techniques for an armored yet flexible feel. Civilian attire was equally considered, with Kara’s long coat functioning like a cape and a Blondie graphic tee chosen for its free-spirited, punk-rock energy. Lobo’s distinctive look, developed collaboratively with Jason Momoa, featured an enormous, heavy coat, an intricately embroidered jacket, hand-sculpted buttons, and a grenade-adorned chain necklace. Momoa’s input also led to the inclusion of claw-like fingernails and a genuine metal chain, emphasizing his commanding physical presence.

The props department, supervised by Charlie Horwood, also adhered to a practical filmmaking ethos, creating real-world versions of everything seen on camera. This included a practical Krypto, made from an IKEA rug, capable of breathing, blinking, and wagging its tail. Kara’s Space iPod, a blend of original Nano and futuristic design, posed unique challenges. Weapons, starting from recognizable real-world silhouettes, were "space-ified" to appear bigger, brighter, and stranger, with hero and stunt versions produced. Ruthye’s sword, inspired by comics and Afghan filigree, was designed to be lightweight for the young actress. Character-specific props included Krem’s double-headed rat and bird-like provisions, and Lobo’s vape cigar, which illuminated his face and was activated by a brass punch lighter, a last-minute request from Momoa.

Milly Alcock, despite this being her first feature film, received widespread praise for her performance, tackling extensive stunt work, emotionally demanding material, and multiple languages with a "free-spirited, punk-rock energy." David Corenswet’s Superman is confirmed to have a small role, further connecting 'Supergirl' to the broader DCU narrative, which includes the animated series 'Creature Commandos' and the forthcoming 'Superman' sequel, 'Man of Tomorrow.' With its release on June 26, 2026, audiences can anticipate not only action-packed spectacle but also a film built with an unusual level of coordination and care, showcasing a shared vision brought to life through meticulous attention to detail.