Did Supergirl Really Break a Record? Marvel Fans Disagree
DC fans are buzzing about Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, claiming it’s set to break a major record for female-led superhero movies. But is this milestone really new? Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever may have already claimed that spot. Dive in to see why the debate is heating up.
Online chatter among DC enthusiasts has ramped up, with many insisting that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is about to make history as the first solo, present-day female superhero film since 2005. While that sounds like a big deal, the claim doesn’t quite hold up. Marvel already crossed that finish line with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever back in 2022.
Marvel’s Female Heroes Set the Standard
Some argue that Wakanda Forever shouldn’t count because of its ensemble cast. But the story centers on Shuri’s journey, with supporting characters like Namor playing into her narrative rather than sharing the spotlight. Marvel didn’t market the film as a groundbreaking moment for female superheroes, which may be why the comparison slipped by unnoticed. Still, the achievement belongs to Marvel, not Supergirl. This only highlights how Marvel has been ahead of the curve when it comes to female representation, while DC is just now catching up with its reboot.
Marvel has spent years building up its roster of female heroes. Even before Wakanda Forever, the MCU featured women like Black Widow, Wanda Maximoff, Gamora, Okoye, Valkyrie, and the Wasp as key players. These weren’t just one-off appearances; these characters had meaningful arcs and real impact on the larger storylines.
Years of Character Development in the MCU
By the time Captain Marvel hit theaters in 2019, Marvel had already invested a decade in developing its female characters across multiple films. Fans could follow Wanda’s emotional evolution from Age of Ultron through WandaVision, or watch Natasha Romanoff’s growth leading up to her own solo movie. These stories unfolded gradually, giving audiences time to connect with the characters.
DC, on the other hand, is taking a different approach with Supergirl. She’s being introduced into the new DC Universe without the years of buildup that Marvel’s heroines received. That’s why, whenever fans talk about milestones or “firsts,” Marvel’s track record naturally comes up. The studio has been doing this for a while, making any new female-led film from DC an instant point of comparison.
Supergirl’s Fresh Start in the DC Universe
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow may not earn the “first since 2005” title, but it’s still a significant step for DC. With this reboot, Supergirl enters the universe free from the baggage of the old DCEU and its constant reboots. She’s getting a new direction, a fresh creative team, and a story that doesn’t tie her to previous versions.
It’s worth noting that Supergirl hasn’t had a major movie presence since 1984. Woman of Tomorrow marks her first real chance to be reintroduced to today’s audiences in a universe built with her in mind. Instead of slowly building her up over several films, DC is giving her a strong, standalone debut. The studio is clearly aiming for a new beginning, fresh energy, and a spotlight on heroes who haven’t had their moment in years.
Do you think Supergirl deserves the record? Let us know what you think!
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is streaming on Disney+, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026.