Pop Culture Happy Hour Praises Milly Alcock in 'Supergirl,' Faults Film's Villain in Review

Q: With a weak villain and mixed reviews, can the DCU's second film secure the new franchise's future?

No. *Supergirl* looks more likely to test the DCU’s resilience than to secure its future on its own. The evidence is mixed but fairly consistent. Critics broadly praise Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El as the film’s clear asset: fearless, abrasive, emotionally wounded, and compelling enough to carry scenes that the script does not. Jason Momoa’s Lobo is also widely seen as a scene-stealer. But reviews repeatedly point to the same structural weakness: Krem is a thin antagonist, and the film around Alcock is often described as uneven, visually drab, and less confident than James Gunn’s *Superman*. Rotten Tomatoes scores in the high-50s to low-60s reflect that split. That matters because this is the second film in a franchise reboot, where momentum is crucial. *Superman* reportedly gave the new DCU a strong launch, and *Supergirl* was expected to prove that success could extend beyond one flagship character. Instead, the film appears to reinforce confidence in Alcock’s future while raising doubts about the consistency of the broader creative plan. Still, one underwhelming entry is unlikely to derail the franchise outright. DC Studios already has follow-ups in motion, including *Man of Tomorrow* in 2027, where Supergirl is expected to return, along with other projects such as *Lanterns* and *Clayface*. If anything, *Supergirl* suggests the DCU still has viable characters and casting, but needs stronger scripts and villains to convert that promise into durable franchise momentum.

Q: Is Jason Momoa's scene-stealing Lobo the real breakout star of the new DC Universe, not Supergirl?

Yes — at least in terms of immediate buzz, Jason Momoa’s Lobo looks like the new DC Universe’s breakout supporting character, even if *Supergirl* remains Milly Alcock’s showcase. Critics are broadly aligned on two points. Alcock’s Supergirl is the film’s strongest core element: her Kara Zor-El has been praised as “fearless and grumpy,” “authentically jaded,” and emotionally sharp enough to carry a film that many reviewers otherwise found uneven. But the movie itself has drawn mixed reviews, with complaints about a weak villain, flat world-building and an underpowered script. That gap has created room for Momoa’s Lobo to dominate the conversation. Multiple reactions describe Lobo as a scene-stealer who brings energy, humor and menace whenever he appears. Even with limited screen time — roughly 15% by some accounts — Momoa’s performance has been singled out as one of the film’s most memorable elements. The fact that he is already discussing future DCU plans with James Gunn, including the possibility of a larger arc or even a solo film, reinforces the sense that DC has found a character audiences want more of. Still, that does not mean Lobo has replaced Supergirl as the franchise’s central success. Alcock is still widely seen as the film’s best performance and the key long-term asset. The more accurate reading is that *Supergirl* establishes Alcock’s hero, while Momoa’s Lobo emerges as the surprise sensation who may have the strongest breakout momentum.

3 articles · Updated · NPR · Jun 26

Pop Culture Happy Hour says 'Supergirl' works largely because Milly Alcock's take on the hero is "fearless and grumpy," giving Hollywood's newest Supergirl a strong center.
The review argues the film falls short on its antagonist, saying the movie has a solid hero but needs a better villain.
That assessment frames 'Supergirl' as a worthwhile DC entry built around a revenge-quest story involving a new ally and a dog, even if the conflict lacks equal force.

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NPR10h ago

Pop Culture Happy Hour Reviews 'Supergirl', Praises Hero Milly Alcock, Criticizes Villain

Fox News4d ago

After questionable remarks from star Milly Alcock, new tracking shows 'Supergirl' on track for $200M loss

MSN10h ago

Critics praise Milly Alcock as 'Supergirl' earns mixed reviews

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Milly Alcock's Supergirl is an A+ hit, so why are critics calling the movie a C-level disappointment?

With a weak villain and mixed reviews, can the DCU's second film secure the new franchise's future?

Is Jason Momoa's scene-stealing Lobo the real breakout star of the new DC Universe, not Supergirl?

Pop Culture Happy Hour Praises Milly Alcock in 'Supergirl,' Faults Film's Villain in Review

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