Film Friday: James Gunn and Peter Safran's Jobs are Safe With New Owners Skydance/Paramount

Remember when Netflix was going to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery and the deal was all but done? Recall how Skydance/Paramount wouldn't quit trying to make itself the owner, and kept at it until Netflix said, "Screw it, we're out," and walked away, with Skydance/Paramount, "Winning?" Well, Skydance/Paramount has gotten past a bunch of legal questions and has maneuvered itself to being an even bigger entertainment company than ever, with the head  (David Ellison) being known as a bit of an asshole, much like his Father (a Reddit post from 12 years ago about Larry illustrates it's been this way for some time). I'm not saying that just because they're chummy with Donald Trump, the Ellisons just seem to have few fans, and many folks out there find them genuinely unpleasant. They've got a shiny new company added to their conglomerate, however, and within that company is another in the form of DC with all its comics and movies. Will the Ellisons care much about the comic-book aspect, or view it as such a tiny part of their portfolio that they let it keep chugging along (as long as it remains useful in some capacity)? I am unsure, but when it comes specifically to the DC Cinematic and television slate, nothing much is changing for now.

Yes, James Gunn and Peter Safran have been told they're welcome to keep doing what they're doing for the DCU and stay on board with SkyBrothers...Warnermount...whatever. There have been hit flicks (the latest, "Superman,"), and both the second season of, "Peacemaker," and debut season of, "Lanterns," generally have received glowing reviews (plus solid viewership). Yes, "Supergirl," was a bit of a flop, and this month's debut of, "Clayface," remains a big unknown factor in how well or poorly it could perform. However, Gunn and Safran are secure, at least, "Initially," as reports indicate--with who they report to being more of a question mark as WBD itself is seeing shakeups. I'd say the rest of 2026 and how the Superman sequel does in 2027 will determine a good deal of what exactly happens next in terms of how DC's cinematic and comic content is treated within the new SkyParaWarBroDiscovery Corp.

"Supergirl," Had a BAD First Weekend at the Box Office...

"Supergirl," is the second big film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's new take on the DC cinematic Universe. "Superman," did quite well, and the second season of, "Peacemaker," which altered its continuity to take place in the same universe, was a hoot as well. "Supergirl," earned raves for Milly Alcock's performance, muted praise for Jason Momoa's Lobo, and was otherwise given a critical, "Meh," by many outlets. It proceeded to land roughly in theaters.  I mean, it made less than, "Morbius," did in its opening weekend. "Supergirl," isn't the worst cinematic bomb ever despite dramatic headlines, but the indifference of reviewers and theatergoers is evident.

Some people have begun discussing whether a general toxicity in fandom is to blame. Other's have said it is proof female superheroes don't sell/Hollywood keeps failing them. Every superhero movie that struggles results in discussion of, "Superhero movie fatigue," and plenty of folks have already begun writing this off as, "Not a big deal." The argument already is going, "Supergirl was never a big thing, the real test is how that Green Lanterns show, and Clayface movie do!" which feels like a big example of, "Moving the goalposts," but whatever.

I do want to check out the new, "Supergirl," movie. That said,  just I didn't see the latest, "Superman," until it had been out a couple of weeks, and I had the chance to view it, that'll probably be the case with, "Supergirl," for me too. At least if I go in with average-to-low expectations, I may very well conclude that it is better than people have been saying. Sure sounds like I will have much of the theater to myself when I do make it over there.

"Supergirl," Dropped a Teaser Trailer Today

The teaser trailer for the next big DC project emerged onto the internet today. Coming hot on the heels of, "Superman," and, "Peacemaker," we have Milly Alcock as, "Supergirl." What is interesting is how the trailer has a lot more of a vibe like, "Guardians of the Galaxy," than the recent Superman flick. James Gunn (he and Peter Safran are the main architects of this new DC film Universe) isn't even directing (Craig Gillespie is), but there is a feeling that evokes GOTG with its weird-space-adventures and such. Give the trailer a look below if you haven't seen it yet:

The movie draws a good deal from Tom King's, "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," and Alcock is a great talent (she was stellar in the recent, "Sirens," limited series on Netflix). I'm all for crazy fights in space, and we even get a glimpse of Jason Momoa's Lobo (that could be pretty wild) so I'm hopeful this is a fun experience. "Supergirl," will be the first DC project with Gunn involved more as a producer than the main guiding hand, so that is a bit important too for setting a tone for what we can expect from DC flicks he's a bit less involved in, without a doubt. Come June of 2026, we can judge the movie for ourselves!

A Misunderstanding Regarding Supergirl's Gender Had the Internet All Aflutter For a Minute

Supergirl will be getting a new DC series. It looks fun! The new comic has Sophie Campbell as the writer (a skilled writer and she's a great illustrator too) and Tamra Bonvillain doing the art--I'm not as familiar with her work but like what I've seen. Supergirl will be Kara, as always. One thing was mentioned that seemed to confuse some of the internet and even make some folks angry for no reason. You see, Campbell and Bonvillain are both transgender. This was discussed online and some people thought it meant that Kara was now going to be transgender. She's not, she's still a cisgender woman. 

Now, I guess the idea of a person being trans is more far-fetched for some readers than a lady being able to fly and have super-strength, but gender has been a subject of much debate lately, so that's the way it goes. I will always accept transmen as men and transwomen as women, but that wasn't even an issue here. Two people who happen to be trans are writing Supergirl. They aren't going to, "Make," her be trans because a trans person can write a story with a cisgender person just as much as a black person can write a tale with white people or a jew can write about christians. Sometimes the internet is so ready to jump to conclusions people don't calm down and think things through. I'm just surprised that some misinformation spread so quickly on the world wide web, normally the internet is a reliable source of facts, after all (sarcasm intended). Anyway, the main takeaway is that Campbell is a fantastic creator so I'm excited to see her and Bonvillain's take on Supergirl!

Now DC is Finishing Some Series as Digital-Only Releases

I wrote about how Marvel was going to be closing-out some of their mini-series as digital-only releases. Well, it seems DC decided that would work for them too, but will be doing it with some concluding ongoing titles. "Supergirl," #41 and #42 will only be found digitally as will, "The Terrifics," #28, #29, and #30. I'm glad these books will be able to actually end somewhat on their own terms as opposed to suddenly being cancelled, but man, that must be annoying if you were collecting individual issues.

Now you've got to buy these issues digitally or in trade paperback as while you were able to hold a physical copy of, "The Terrifics," #27, there never shall be an actual floppy of #28. These aren't mini-series with a handful of issues out, either, these are long-running series that DC has clearly decided to just call it quits with. For those of us who like to have a physical comic, I wonder how wary it will make readers in the future. I mean, his could backfire. Imagine if you like a comic but worry it could suddenly go digital-only and then be cancelled. What would keep you from just trade-waiting a number of titles, figuring they'll end-up only in trade for a physical copy anyway? It's a bit of tightrope, and I hope Marvel and DC walk it carefully.