SUPERGIRL Director Craig Gillespie Opens Up About Creative Debates With James Gunn and Those GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Comparisons
When the first trailer for Supergirl landed, fans immediately started drawing comparisons to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. Between the cosmic setting, colorful characters, and soundtrack-driven energy, it wasn't exactly a surprise.
Now, director Craig Gillespie is addressing those comparisons while also shedding some light on what it was like working with DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn during the film's post-production process.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Supergirl has been its visual style. While the movie is inspired by the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series, many fans have pointed out that the film's aesthetic feels closer to Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
Even the design of Krem of the Yellow Hills has sparked conversation. In the comics, the villain sports striking red hair, a beard, and a pirate-inspired appearance. The movie version takes a different approach that many viewers have compared to members of the MCU's Ravagers.
Speaking with Empire magazine, Gillespie discussed collaborating with Gunn and revealed that the two frequently exchanged ideas during post-production. While that sometimes led to disagreements, the director clearly viewed the process as a positive one.
"It was great to have more of a director than a studio head," Gillespie said while reflecting on working alongside Gunn. "You can just roll the sleeves up and have a healthy debate. It would get into the tiniest things... music choices... that sort of push and pull."
That mention of music is particularly interesting because the soundtrack has become one of the main reasons people keep comparing Supergirl to Guardians of the Galaxy. Gunn famously turned needle drops into a defining element of his Marvel trilogy, and audiences picked up on similar vibes in the Supergirl footage.
As for those comparisons, Gillespie understands why they're happening, even if they're somewhat unavoidable.
"I don't think I can avoid it," Gillespie admitted. "We're in that arena, but it's a space I've always played in. There's only so many space movies. And we're in the superhero universe, with that dance of humor and darkness and drama, which I love."
It's a fair point. Space adventures naturally share certain visual and storytelling DNA, especially when they're operating within the superhero genre. At the same time, Supergirl appears to be carving out its own identity with a more revenge-driven story centered on Kara Zor-El's personal journey across the galaxy.
DC Studios is undoubtedly hoping the film can capture some of the same audience enthusiasm that helped make Guardians of the Galaxy such a massive success.
The film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, and follows the hero as she reluctantly teams up with an unlikely ally after a ruthless enemy hits far too close to home. What follows is an interstellar quest fueled by vengeance, justice, and plenty of cosmic action.
Alongside Alcock, the cast includes Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa. The movie is directed by Gillespie from a screenplay written by Ana Nogueira.
Whether the Guardians of the Galaxy comparisons ultimately help or hurt the conversation around Supergirl remains to be seen. But, Gillespie and Gunn weren't afraid to challenge each other's ideas while shaping the final cut. If those creative debates helped sharpen the movie, DC fans could be in for something special when Supergirl flies into theaters on June 26, 2026.