'Supergirl' Could Take Place At The Same Time As 'Superman'

The upcoming 'Supergirl' starring Milly Alcock could take place during the same time as James Gunn's 'Superman' after considering the ending of the latter.

Milly Alcock on the set of 'Supergirl'. Photo: James Gunn's Instagram account.

Preview:

Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, enters the Fortress of Solitude at the end of 'Superman' to pick up her dog, Krypto, whom Kal-El was watching for her.
With 'Supergirl' releasing in 2026, her movie may show fans where she was while Kal-El was watching Krypto.
Knowing the movie will follow the events of the graphic novel 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow', however, this is likely the beginning of her story.

DC Studios co-CEO has a way with teasing upcoming projects without shoving them down viewers' throats, which is why it came as no surprise to most when Kal-El's cousin, Kara Zor-El, made a brief appearance at the end of 'Superman'. Her solo film will release in theaters in 2026, making this the perfect way to introduce her and allow fans to get to know the DCU version of her, as well as the (unhealthy) relationship that she has with Krypto.

Milly Alcock plays Supergirl, who stops by the Fortress of Solitude to pick up her dog, Krypto, after leaving him with her cousin Kal-El (David Corenswet) so she can go out partying - at least that is what she appears to have been doing. Anyone who has read the graphic novel that the 2026 film is based on, 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow', already knows this version of Kara.

Taking into consideration the events of the graphic novel's storyline, 'Supergirl' could take place during 'Superman'. However, because of Krypto's important role in the plot, at least part of it will likely take place after it.

Supergirl's Cameo In 'Superman' Introduces A Comic Book Accurate Kara

DC Comics' Supergirl from writer Tom King's 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.' Photo courtesy of DC.com.

Kara showing up drunk and disorderly at the end of 'Superman' has stirred up quite a conversation among audiences. For those who have not read 'Woman of Tomorrow', I can certainly see why this would take people by surprise. This version of her is much darker than others. She is not the polar opposite of the CW version, played by Melissa Benoist, but she is not very similar to her either.

The graphic novel opens with Kara drunk at a bar on a red sun planet, something that Kal-El claims is one of her favorite past times when she returns for Krypto. She is a mess, going so far as to cuss at Superman while thanking him for watching her dog. This easily comes as a shock for those that are not familiar with her darker side, but for the fans of this particular comic book storyline, seeing her in this state is exciting.

It means that DC Studios is not going to shy away from going there, which is necessary to tell the story correctly. Supergirl has not had an easy life, and letting viewers in on her past trauma, and the mental state this has left her in, is the perfect way to explore the 'Woman of Tomorrow' story. The themes are going to be heavy, and it is potentially a tough pill to swallow for those who prefer a lighter version of the character, but DC needs to takes risks right now. Thankfully, it seems like they are willing to do it.

'Supergirl' Could Take Place During The Events Of 'Superman'

David Corenswet as Superman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Superman', a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

Knowing how things play out in the graphic novel is a bit of a cheat, but because of this, there is a good chance these two films can overlap. When we first meet Kara in 'Superman' she is drunk, having spent some time on a red sun planet partying. Because of her Kryptonian powers, this is something she cannot do on a planet with a yellow sun. Kal-El explains in the film, but essentially the rays of the sun will heal her so quickly that the alcohol is never able to take effect.

There is a decent chance that 'Supergirl' will start before she makes her way to Earth to pick up Krypto. It will take the time to explore this side of Kara, including her reasoning for partying so hard. We will see that dark part of her, learning just enough about it before she goes and collects Krypto.

After she leaves Earth, things are sure to get even rougher for her, as she looks deep inside herself and is forced to confront her childhood trauma. If it sticks closely to the graphic novel, there will be flashbacks as well, letting viewers in on her bringing up and what that has done to her.

Krypto's Comic Book Storyline Is The Main Hint That 'Supergirl' Might Take Place After 'Superman'

(L to R) David Corenswet and Krypto in 'Superman.' Photo: James Gunn's Instagram account.

Without giving too much away, Krypto is a major catalyst for the events of the graphic novel that 'Supergirl' is going to be based on. It is because of this, that the odds of Kara's movie taking place entirely during the events of 'Superman' start to dwindle. Yes, there could certainly be some overlap, but Krypto is too important to the story being told to not be a part of her movie at all.

'Superman' has now established that Krypto is Kara's dog, a key factor in the graphic novel. He is a major part of this darker Supergirl story and will likely be included in the film. Not only has James Gunn already stated that this film is a darker take on the character, the version of her that was seen in 'Superman' seems to be the final bit of proof.

Whether 'Supergirl' and 'Superman' do indeed overlap or not, one thing is for sure, DC Studios is going all in on this darker side of Kara. There is still plenty of time to pick up the graphic novel and check it out before 'Supergirl''s 2026 release - if you don't mind potential spoilers that is.