Summary of Key Points
“Supergirl,” as the second installment in the DC Universe (DCU), failed both at the box office and in terms of public reception: it grossed only $38 million in North America and $68 million globally, far below expectations. It received a score of 5.5 on Douban and a freshness rating of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes; viewers criticized the film for being “unattractive” and having a “poor script.” The reasons for this failure include: a radical adaptation of an excellent original work, the forced inclusion of politically correct elements, the deletion of meaningful content, and the flattening of character development. This reflects a conservative trend in the superhero film industry that prioritizes safety over quality, as well as audience fatigue with the repetitive formula of superhero films.
I. Double Failure at the Box Office and Reception: A Poor Start for DCU
The first DCU movie, “Superman,” opened with $125 million, whereas “Supergirl” fell significantly short, grossing only $38 million in North America and $68 million globally. Audience reviews were even more damning: some viewers said they had to take time off work to watch the film but wished they hadn’t done so, and others outright stated that DC should stop making superhero movies. The ratings were equally poor—5.5 on Douban (below a passing grade) and 54% on Rotten Tomatoes (just over half of the average rating). This is not just a failure for this single film but also a major setback in the expansion of the DCU.
II. A Radical Adaptation of a Great Original Work
The original comic “Supergirl: The Next Generation” is highly regarded, having been nominated for a Hugo Award and recognized as one of the best books by the New York Public Library. However, the film adaptation was a complete disappointment:
- Altered Motives: In the original, Kara takes Lucy on a journey to help her let go of hatred and reconcile with her past; in the movie, it becomes a simple “dog rescue” mission (with the villain poisoning Lucy’s pet dog). The motivation seems shallow and clichéd.
- Reduced Context: The original comic portrays Kara at 14 years old, having witnessed three catastrophic events on Krypton—planet destruction, a meteorite shower causing cancer, and more—which give her journey to forgive hatred greater weight; the movie only briefly touches on these events, making her advice to Lucy seem illogical.
- Flat Characters: The villain Creem has a complex background in the comic (he kills out of a sense of damaged self-esteem); in the movie, he is reduced to a mindless killer. The supporting character Lucy, who can protect the weakened Kara in the comic, becomes a mere tool for her to seek revenge.
III. Politically Correct Elements That Backfire
The film’s attempt to be politically correct backfired:
- Awkward Casting: The casting was intended to reflect diversity, but it resulted in a clichéd scenario of a white superhero saving an Asian character.
- Distorted Female Bonding: The movie includes a “girl helps girl” scene (saving a kidnapped girl), but other female characters are minimized, highlighting only Kara’s strength—detracting from the meaning of mutual support and turning it into a showcase for individual heroism.
IV. Lack of Depth: From a Profound Metaphor to a Mindless Action Film
The original comic contains profound social themes (such as the Blue and Purple races driving out each other, and the “peace” built on others’ suffering), exploring systemic evil and how individuals deal with hatred. These elements were completely removed from the film:
- Extensive Editing: The preview version was 2 hours and 5 minutes long, but the final version (with subtitles) was reduced to 1 hour and 47 minutes, cutting out crucial scenes that helped develop the characters (such as the Blue and Purple races’ story).
- Loss of Substance: The film’s core message—that the universe’s evils are vast and individuals must learn to reconcile with their fate—is absent. Compared to classic sci-fi films like “Planet of the Apes” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” modern superhero movies have larger budgets but offer viewers no room for reflection.
V. Audience Fatigue with Superhero Films
The failure of “Supergirl” is not isolated; it reflects a broader decline in the genre:
- Audience Weariness: 2018 was the peak of superhero films, and audiences are now tired of the repetitive formula of action scenes and Easter eggs. Movies like “Black Adam” and “Thor 4” have been criticized for their chaotic narratives and childlike plots.
- Conservative Cultural Industries: Producers, seeking to maximize profits while avoiding controversy, remove all complex elements, opting for safe and family-friendly stories. However, this approach only alienates more viewers—after all, who wants to spend money on a soulless action film?
Conclusion: Where Does the Future of Superhero Films Lie?
The failure of “Supergirl” indicates that audiences desire stories with depth and substance, not just a collection of politically correct tropes or mindless action. If DC and Marvel continue to follow the conservative, formulaic path, they will eventually lose their audience. After all, the essence of cinema is storytelling, not merely selling intellectual property and Easter eggs.