Supergirl Gets a Second Chance as DC’s Box Office Disappointment Arrives on Digital

DC Studios’ latest superhero film may have struggled at the box office, but Supergirl is beginning a new chapter. After an underwhelming theatrical run, the movie is now available on digital platforms, giving audiences another opportunity to discover Milly Alcock’s debut as Kara Zor-El from the comfort of home.

While the film fell short of expectations in theaters, digital releases have become an increasingly important part of a movie’s financial journey. For Warner Bros. and DC Studios, the hope is that Supergirl can build a larger audience through streaming and digital purchases, even if its theatrical performance failed to match that of Superman.

A difficult theatrical run

Released on June 26, 2026, Supergirl arrived with significant expectations after Milly Alcock made her first appearance as Kara Zor-El during the closing moments of Superman.

Instead of continuing DC’s momentum, however, the film struggled almost immediately. It earned approximately $37 million domestically during its opening weekend, a disappointing result for a production reportedly carrying a budget of around $170 million.

After its first month in theaters, the film had grossed roughly $124.6 million worldwide, well below the level typically needed for a major superhero blockbuster to become profitable.

Warner Bros. and DC Studios publicly acknowledged that the movie did not meet their box office expectations.

A new opportunity on digital platforms

Just over a month after its theatrical debut, Supergirl became available to rent or purchase digitally.

The film can now be rented for $19.99 or purchased for $24.99 through services including Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital retailers.

For many viewers who skipped the theatrical release, the digital launch removes several barriers. Watching from home is often less expensive than purchasing multiple movie tickets, and audiences can view the film whenever it’s convenient.

Why digital performance matters

Although theatrical box office figures attract the most attention, digital sales have become an increasingly valuable source of revenue for studios.

Unlike movie theater ticket sales, where revenue is shared with exhibitors, studios generally retain a much larger portion of digital purchases and rentals.

If Supergirl performs well on digital platforms, Warner Bros. could reduce some of the financial losses associated with its theatrical release while also introducing the film to audiences who were hesitant to see it in cinemas.

Milly Alcock’s performance stands out

Even among mixed critical reactions, many viewers have praised Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El.

Known for her breakout role in House of the Dragon, Alcock brings emotional depth to Superman’s cousin, portraying both her strength and her vulnerability as she navigates her own journey.

Her performance has been widely viewed as one of the film’s strongest elements and establishes her as an important figure in James Gunn’s expanding DC Universe.

Familiar faces and entertaining moments

The movie also features several characters that longtime DC fans may enjoy.

Jason Momoa appears as the bounty hunter Lobo, delivering a scene-stealing performance that introduces one of DC Comics’ most popular antiheroes to the new cinematic universe.

David Corenswet also briefly reprises his role as Superman, helping reinforce the connection between the two films while expanding the shared universe.

In addition, many viewers have highlighted Kara’s relationship with Ruthye, played by Eve Ridley, as one of the film’s emotional anchors.

What comes next for the DC Universe

Although Supergirl underperformed financially, the character remains an important part of DC Studios’ long-term plans.

The film introduces key elements expected to carry into future projects, including the announced Man of Tomorrow, where Kara is expected to return.

With a runtime of less than two hours, Supergirl also offers an accessible entry point for viewers looking to stay current with the developing DC Universe.

Its digital release now gives the film an opportunity to reach audiences who may have overlooked it during its theatrical run. While it may not rewrite its box office history, success on digital platforms could help Supergirl build a broader fan base and strengthen its place within DC Studios’ future storytelling.

Featured Image: instagram.com/millyalcock