Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Update

“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” is an upcoming film in the DC Universe, set to adapt the acclaimed 2021-2022 miniseries by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. While many fans are familiar with the bright and hopeful image of Supergirl, this new adaptation promises a much grittier take on the character. James Gunn, the co-head of DC Studios, has already hinted at the more “hardcore” nature of this iteration of Supergirl, highlighting the influence of trauma, revenge, and morality on her character arc. The film is scheduled to begin production in late 2024 or early 2025, with a targeted release date of June 26, 2026.

At the core of “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” lies the dark, twisted motivations of its main antagonist, Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. Krem stands as a uniquely brutal villain, motivated by a warped sense of justice and a belief that he can distinguish between good and evil. His first encounter with Ruthye Marye Knoll, a character central to the story, illustrates this deluded sense of morality. Krem murders Ruthye’s father after perceiving a slight—a lack of laughter at one of his jokes. In Krem’s eyes, the act is more than a random killing; it is a moral judgment. He claims to be on a quest to find “the loyal and the wicked” and convinces himself that murdering Ruthye’s father was justified as part of this quest. His belief in his own righteousness, despite his cruel and violent actions, makes Krem a particularly unsettling villain, one who defies the typical comic book dichotomy of good and evil.

Krem’s journey eventually leads him to join Barbond’s Brigands, a band of criminals who commit atrocities on a massive scale, including genocide. These actions further establish Krem’s status as a villain driven by a twisted code of ethics. He believes his actions, no matter how horrifying, are morally justified. This mentality sets him apart from many other comic book antagonists who are either driven by simple power or wealth. Krem is deeply convinced of his own righteousness, making him not only dangerous but also unpredictable. As his story unfolds, Krem is eventually imprisoned in the Phantom Zone, a dimension reserved for the most dangerous criminals in the DC Universe. There, he spends 800 years in isolation, only to be released in his elderly years, still harboring the same warped sense of justice that led him to murder and commit atrocities in the first place.

Central to the film’s narrative is Ruthye’s quest for revenge. After Krem murders her father, she becomes obsessed with avenging his death. This quest places her in direct opposition to Krem, but it also serves as a means to explore deeper themes of justice and morality. Ruthye’s story is one of transformation; she begins as a victim, but as she pursues her goal, she is forced to grapple with the consequences of revenge. Her journey eventually leads to Krem’s death, as Ruthye kills him after his release from the Phantom Zone. While this act might satisfy her desire for vengeance, it also raises questions about whether justice has truly been served. The complexity of Ruthye’s character and her moral dilemmas will likely be a focal point in the film.

Supergirl, played by House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock, will also undergo a significant transformation in this film. James Gunn’s comments about Supergirl being “much more hardcore” than previous versions of the character point to a darker portrayal, shaped by the trauma she experienced during the destruction of Krypton. In traditional depictions, Supergirl is often presented as a hopeful, optimistic figure, embodying the same values as her cousin, Superman. However, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” takes a different approach, focusing on the psychological scars left by witnessing the death of her family and the annihilation of her home world. This trauma has turned her into a more battle-hardened, emotionally scarred hero, capable of ruthless actions when provoked.

One of the film’s most intense moments draws a parallel to the “John Wick” franchise. In a shocking turn of events, Krem shoots Supergirl’s dog, Krypto, triggering a personal vendetta from Supergirl herself. The “John Wick” comparison hints at a brutal, action-packed story, driven by personal loss and a thirst for revenge. Supergirl’s response to Krem’s actions will be one of the defining moments of the film, highlighting the duality of her character. While she remains a symbol of hope and justice, her reaction to the killing of Krypto shows that even heroes can be pushed to their breaking point. This darker, more violent portrayal of Supergirl aligns with the film’s overarching themes of revenge and morality, suggesting a narrative that is not afraid to explore the ethical gray areas often avoided in more traditional superhero films.

Matthias Schoenaerts’ portrayal of Krem is expected to be central to the film’s exploration of these themes. Krem’s character serves as a mirror to both Ruthye and Supergirl, challenging them to confront their own beliefs about justice and morality. His belief that he is an arbiter of right and wrong, despite his barbaric actions, forces Ruthye and Supergirl to question their own motivations. Is Ruthye’s pursuit of revenge truly just, or is she merely succumbing to the same cycle of violence that Krem perpetuates? Likewise, Supergirl’s response to Krem’s atrocities raises questions about the line between justice and vengeance. In the face of personal loss, can even a hero as iconic as Supergirl maintain her moral compass, or will she be driven to act out of rage and revenge?

The film’s production is set to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, with James Gunn and Peter Safran overseeing the project as part of their larger plan for the DC Universe. While little is known about the specific visual and stylistic choices the film will take, it is clear that “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” is aiming for a more complex and mature narrative than previous depictions of the character. The emphasis on revenge, trauma, and moral ambiguity suggests a film that will push the boundaries of traditional superhero storytelling. The involvement of Krem, a villain whose motivations are rooted in a twisted sense of justice, further underscores the film’s commitment to exploring these darker themes.

In conclusion, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” promises to be a compelling and emotionally charged addition to the DC Universe. With its focus on revenge, trauma, and the complexities of justice, the film is poised to offer a fresh take on the iconic character of Supergirl. Krem of the Yellow Hills, portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts, will serve as a formidable antagonist, whose twisted sense of morality challenges both Ruthye and Supergirl on their respective journeys. As the film delves into these deeper themes, it offers the potential for a darker, more nuanced superhero narrative, one that goes beyond the typical battles of good versus evil and instead explores the murky gray areas of morality and justice. The John Wick-style revenge storyline, coupled with Supergirl’s traumatic past, promises to deliver a high-stakes, action-packed film that will leave audiences questioning the true meaning of heroism.

Sources:

Villains Wiki, “Krem of the Yellow Hills”
Yahoo Entertainment, “James Gunn on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”
The Hollywood Reporter, “Matthias Schoenaerts Cast as Krem in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”