James Gunn wants DCU's Supergirl to prove not every female superhero lead has to be "perfect": "That's really what spoke to me, both in the book and the script"

Supergirl poster — (Image credit: DC Studios)

DC Studios boss James Gunn and Supergirl actor Milly Alcock have opened up about the DCU's "flawed" Supergirl – and how it's worlds away from the "perfect" female superhero leads of comic book movies past.

"I think that what Supergirl represents for young women, especially, is that you can be flawed," Alcock says of Kara Zor-El at a press conference attended by GamesRadar+.

Alcock continues, "You don't have to be perfect in order to come to some sort of internal self-resolution. I think that we're kind of thrusted upon this narrative, especially women, that you have to be perfect… I think that Kara is someone who so beautifully leans into her flaws. I think that's really, really special."

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Gunn adds, "That's really what spoke to me, both in [Tom King's graphic novel Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow] and in the script. A lot of times – for some reason – our female superhero leads are just so much more perfect. Tony Stark and Star-Lord are such messes, and that isn't always the same thing for our female superhero leads. Seeing someone who was so imperfect and such a mess… that was what excited me."

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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