DC Hero Officially Recast, New Star Debuts in Upcoming Film

Following the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the studio underwent significant restructuring, resulting in the departure of Walter Hamada, the former head of WB’s DC film division.

James Gunn, known for directing the Guardians of the Universe series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for The Walt Disney Company and The Suicide Squad (2021) (other than 2016) Suicide Squad starring Jared Leto as the Joker) took over Hamada’s role, along with co-CEO Peter Safran.

James Gunn and the Guardians of the Galaxy
Credit: Inside the Magic

Related: Sasha Calle Reportedly “Cast Out” at DC

The previous version of the DC Film Universe, known as the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), prominently featured Zack Snyder’s Justice LeagueIt introduced viewers to Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince, Ezra Miller as The Flash/Barry Allen, Jason Momoa as Aquaman/Arthur Curry and Ray Fisher as Cyborg/Victor Stone.

The Justice League stands against a smoky industrial backgroundThe Justice League stands against a smoky industrial background
Photo: Warner Bros.

The previous iteration of the DC Film Universe, known as the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), prominently featured Zack Snyder’s Justice League, but is now officially defunct. Previously, audiences were introduced to Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince, Ezra Miller as The Flash/Barry Allen, Jason Momoa as Aquaman/Arthur Curry, and Ray Fisher as Cyborg/Victor Stone.

Now it looks like the rumored new cast is now official. A new star will take on the role of hero in an upcoming DC Universe film.

DCU Hero Officially Recast

Recently, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) confirmed that the character Supergirl, previously played by Sasha Calle in the DCEU film The flashwill be played by someone else – namely star Milly Alcock who will officially star in the new DCU film Superman (stylized SUPERMAN) film before making her own solo film debut.

Sasha Calle as Supergirl in 'The Flash'Sasha Calle as Supergirl in 'The Flash'
Photo: DC Studios/Warner Bros.

The first film in the DC Universe run by Gunn and Safran, Supermanwill be led by Superman/Clark Kent himself, played by David Corenswet (Hollywood). Rachel Brosnahan (The Wonderful Mrs. Maisel) will star as Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (and Clark Kent/Superman’s romantic interest), as well as Nicholas Hoult (X-Men, Renfield), who plays Lex Luthor.

Now it looks like Alcock’s Kara Zor-El/Supergirl will be playing a role in Superman to introduce her character to a wider audience before delving much, much deeper into the character’s origins in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Matt Reeves’ The Batsman franchise and its spin-offs, no designated DC Elseworlds, including The penguin led by Colin Farrell (Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot) will make their streaming debut, with the main line The Batsman series starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Michael Keaton as Batman in 'The Flash' TrailerMichael Keaton as Batman in 'The Flash' Trailer
Photo: DC / Warner Bros.

The era of Michael Keaton’s Batman (though recently revived in the Ezra Miller-led The flash (2022)) and even George Clooney seems to be a thing of the past when it comes to DC films.

Let’s not mention Christian Bale in Christopher Nolan’s film The dark knight trilogy. Although Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) introduced Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne to the now-defunct DCEU, James Gunn’s brand-new DCU is about to take on a whole new dimension Batman storyline in the upcoming movie, The brave and the boldled by The flash director Andy Muschietti.

Superman, Supergirl and Krypto the Super DogSuperman, Supergirl and Krypto the Super Dog
Credit: DC Comics

This new Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film will follow what would likely be the second or third DCU film – aside from The brave and the bold, that is, the new DCU Batman film would introduce the Bat Family from DC Comics and a larger network of former Robins such as Dick Grayson/Nightwing (who is currently rumored to be played by one of the former Robins). Shazam franchise’s Billy Batson, Asher Angel or Timothee Chalamet), Jason Todd/Red Hood, Tim Drake/Red Robin and Damian Wayne/Robin.

What We Know (So Far) About DCU’s Supergirl

The film is currently part of Gunn’s new plan for the DC Universe, which aims to redefine and expand the cinematic landscape. Starting with Superman In 2025, the DCU will begin introducing and expanding the DC characters, who have already been said to live in a world full of superheroes and supervillains.

No specific details have yet been released about how Supergirl will fit into this broader plan, but the film is expected to play a key role in building the new DC Universe, potentially introducing new characters and setting up future storylines.

Milly Alcock in Upright, Supergirl grins in torn pedestrian clothing with the Supergirl logoMilly Alcock in Upright, Supergirl grins in torn pedestrian clothing with the Supergirl logo
Credit: Foxtel, DC Comics

Related: Snyder’s DC Universe Officially Continues With Brand New Relaunch

What do we know about Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow?

The film is based on the comic book series “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”, written by Tom King and art by Bilquis Evely. The series is known for its darker and more complex take on Supergirl, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and heroism.

The comic series focuses on Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) as she embarks on a space-traveling adventure, dealing with personal loss and the burden of her heritage. It presents a more grounded and emotionally intense portrayal of the character, in contrast to the traditional portrayal of Supergirl as a more lighthearted hero.

'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Cover' by Tom King'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Cover' by Tom King
Credit: DC Comics

The character of Supergirl offers a contrasting yet complementary perspective on Superman. Her presence in the DCU allows Gunn and the DC creators to explore different aspects of Kryptonian origins and upbringing, creating a richer story around the shared background and legacy of both Superman and Supergirl as the last remaining survivors of their (alien) species.

Under the direction of James Gunn, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is expected to retain the thematic depth and character-driven storytelling of the original comic. Gunn is known for his ability to balance humor and darkness, which could impact how the film handles Supergirl’s story and development.

Supergirl rides Comet, the super horseSupergirl rides Comet, the super horse
Credit: DC Comics

Given Gunn’s style and the tone of the source material, the film will likely combine emotional depth with an epic, adventurous nature, offering a fresh take on the character of Supergirl and her role in the DC universe.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is expected to offer a fresh and compelling take on the character, one that ties into Gunn’s vision for a completely revitalized and, more importantly, fully interconnected DC Universe. He wants to bring the DC Comics to life while cleverly focusing on subsequent character-driven storylines and scenarios.

After all, strangely dark, space-traveling adventures are his thing, as he’s proven with the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Guardians of the universe.

What do you think of Sasha Calle’s Supergirl recasting? Do you think Milly Alcock will do the role justice? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!