Supergirl’s Struggles in the DCEU
It seems that Supergirl is on track to become the biggest disappointment in the history of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which kicked off in 2013 with Man of Steel. The film has pulled in a mere $71.6 million domestically and $53 million internationally, totaling a disappointing $124.6 million globally.
Before this, the lowest performer was Blue Beetle, which managed to lose $131 million in 2023. At its current trajectory, Supergirl may struggle to surpass the $6 to $7 million it needs to beat Blue Beetle‘s record as the second-biggest flop in DCEU history. Surprisingly, even Sony, with its much-maligned Morbius, managed to gross $155 million.
There’s a notion floating around that superhero fatigue is setting in. But, in reality, it seems audiences still crave certain superhero films—let’s call them “superhero movies that don’t disappoint.”
Just look at Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is set to rake in an estimated $300 million by the end of its opening weekend. So, why does the box office success of certain films indicate that superhero fatigue is a myth? The enthusiasm is still there, particularly for movies that resonate well with audiences.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Spider-Man: Brand New Day‘s Friday opening earned more than Supergirl did throughout its entire run. This comes as no shock to those following the DCEU’s ups and downs. For instance, Wonder Woman grossed over $800 million worldwide, largely attributed to a positive reception, not societal biases.
Now, there’s speculation about whether Supergirl could have fared better in Europe. You’d think a more progressive audience might rally behind it. Nonetheless, fans have shown appreciation for actors like Tom Holland, who seems relatively down to earth and relatable, as opposed to Supergirl‘s Millie Alcock, who some perceive as less approachable.
Sadly, the goodwill you build with audiences matters. While Supergirl and Reacher have been less than successful, the cast may continue to find work, but their star power seems diminished for now.
Ultimately, trust matters. Audiences expect quality—something many don’t associate with DC or Marvel lately due to declining entertainment value. All it takes is to create something decent and avoid insulting viewers. It really is a straightforward formula, Hollywood.
