Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Set Video Hints at Major Earth-Based Story Expansion

A newly surfaced set video from Supergirl : Woman of Tomorrow has ignited speculation among DC fans, revealing a surprising shift from the film’s cosmic comic book roots. The footage, shared by ComicBook.com, showcases the construction of a classic American town set—a stark contrast to the original Supergirl : Woman of Tomorrow comic, which primarily unfolds in deep space. This unexpected development suggests that director Craig Gillespie (Cruella, I, Tonya) and screenwriter Ana Nogueira (The Vampire Diaries) are expanding Kara Zor-El’s Earth-bound backstory, potentially reshaping the narrative for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe.

A Cosmic Comic Gets Grounded

The 2021-2022 miniseries by Tom King and Bilquis Evely follows a disillusioned Supergirl on a brutal, galaxy-spanning quest with a young alien girl named Ruthye to avenge her father's murder after years of living in Superman's shadow. The story is a gritty space western, with Kara confronting her trauma while battling interstellar mercenaries—far removed from the familiar streets of Metropolis or National City.

The newly revealed set, however, indicates that the film will spend more time on Earth than the comic ever did. This may indicate:

Exploring Kara’s Early Years on Earth – James Gunn has described this version of Supergirl as "much more hardcore," shaped by witnessing Krypton’s destruction and struggling to adjust to life on Earth. Flashbacks or extended scenes of her early days could deepen her emotional arc.

A Framing Device for the Space Adventure – The Earth setting might bookend the story, with Kara reflecting on her cosmic journey or preparing for her next mission.

Introducing Key DCU Connections – With Superman: Legacy releasing first, the film could establish Kara’s relationship with her cousin (David Corenswet ’s Superman) or other Earth-based heroes.

Why This Change Could Work

While purists may question the addition of Earth-based scenes, the shift makes sense for the DCU’s long-term vision. Gunn has said that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will be a big part of the story of the universe, but putting Kara's character first could make her journey through space more powerful. Additionally, Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara is expected to be more hardened and complex than previous iterations. Spending time on Earth could highlight her alienation and rage before thrusting her into the lawlessness of deep space.

New Cast Additions and Their Roles

The film’s cast includes:

Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) as Kara Zor-El

Eve Ridley as Ruthye, the young alien seeking vengeance

Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem, the ruthless mercenary

Jason Momoa as Lobo, the chaotic Czarnian bounty hunter

Momoa’s involvement, in particular, suggests a wilder, more action-packed take on the source material. His Lobo could serve as an antagonist, an uneasy ally, or even a setup for future cosmic DCU projects.

Fan Reactions to Milly Alcock's Casting

Since her casting was announced in January 2024, Alcock's portrayal has generated significant buzz, with DC fans on social media praising her House of the Dragon intensity as ideal for Gunn's "hardcore" Supergirl vision. A Variety poll showed 82% approval for the casting, reflecting strong audience anticipation.

James Gunn’s Excitement for the Project

Gunn has repeatedly praised the film's creative team, describing Gillespie as a "dream director" and Nogueira's script as "marvelous." He teased in a recent update that production is halfway done, confirming:

"It’s been an extraordinary experience so far, but it’s so scary every time I say it."

His confidence suggests that, despite the possibility of departing from the comic, the film will expand its DCU scope while maintaining King's emotional core.

Fan Reactions and Theories

The set leak has sparked lively debate among fans. Some theories include:

A Kryptonian Survivors Subplot – Could Kara discover other Kryptonian refugees on Earth?

A Superman Crossover – Will Clark Kent play a role in her journey?

A New Origin for Ruthye – Might Ruthye ’s backstory be tied to Earth instead of an alien world?

Release Date and What’s Next

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026, following Superman: Legacy (July 2025). With filming ongoing, fans can likely expect a first trailer by late 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Earth-bound set confirms that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow won’t be a panel-for-panel adaptation—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. By fleshing out Kara’s connection to Earth, the film could make her cosmic journey even more compelling. With Gunn’s oversight, Gillespie’s direction, and Alcock’s star power, this could be the definitive Supergirl story for a new generation.