Supergirl Director Signed On Without Prior Knowledge of Heroine
Craig Gillespie admits he was unfamiliar with Supergirl's backstory before reading Ana Nougeira's script, offering a fresh perspective on the upcoming film adaptation.
When Craig Gillespie agreed to direct the upcoming Supergirl film, he did so without any background knowledge of the character’s comic book history. Instead, he relied entirely on the screenplay written by Ana Nougeira to shape his understanding and vision for the project.
Fresh Eyes on a Legendary Character
Gillespie, best known for his work on I, Tonya, revealed that he hadn’t read the “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” comic before joining the production.
He let Ana Nougeira’s script set the tone and direction for his approach, rather than drawing from the original source material.
This decision came as a surprise to some fans, especially since the film was initially announced as a direct adaptation of Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s 2022 miniseries.
Back in 2023, James Gunn made it clear that the movie would be based on “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” At one point, the film even carried the same subtitle as the comic, though it was later dropped. Despite this, Gillespie’s approach was to come in with a clean slate, allowing the script to guide his creative process.
Ana Nougeira’s Expanding Role in the DC Universe
Ana Nougeira, who crafted the screenplay for Supergirl, has quickly become a key figure in the new DC Universe. She’s also been tapped to write scripts for upcoming Wonder Woman and Teen Titans films, signaling a major vote of confidence in her storytelling abilities.
Gillespie officially signed on to direct Supergirl in April 2024, bringing his unique perspective to the project. By relying on Nougeira’s script rather than the comic, he’s set to deliver a fresh take on the iconic heroine, unburdened by previous interpretations or expectations.