Remember how everyone said Supergirl felt like a James Gunn movie? There’s reportedly a reason for that…
A new report is offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative struggles surrounding Supergirl, revealing that James Gunn’s DC Studios became heavily involved in reshaping the film after reported disagreements with director Craig Gillespie.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, DC Studios eventually created its own cut of Supergirl during post-production, brought in several Gunn collaborators, and ultimately moved forward with the studio’s preferred version of the movie rather than Gillespie’s.
The report highlights an unusual situation for the new DC Universe, which is overseen by Gunn and DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran. Gunn has frequently described the new DCU as being built around stronger creative direction and avoiding the problems that damaged previous superhero franchises.
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However, Supergirl now raises a complicated question for DC Studios: What happens when the filmmaker overseeing the universe disagrees with the filmmaker hired to direct one of its movies?
DC Studios Reportedly Created a Competing Version of Supergirl
According to THR, the issues with Supergirl became apparent months after filming had wrapped.
The outlet reported that “as early as the fall of that year, the studio and Gillespie knew the movie wasn’t working.” Following a December test screening, DC Studios reportedly decided to become much more involved with the project. THR reported that the studio “decided to take matters into its own hands and took charge of the post-production to make its own cut.”
That meant there were effectively two different versions of Supergirl being worked on — Gillespie’s cut and DC Studios’ cut.
A screen capture from the Supergirl trailer – YouTube @dcofficial
Gunn and Safran reportedly brought in Jeremy Slater, who THR described as a Gunn favorite, to assist with the movie. Slater helped write material for nine days of additional photography, while original screenwriter Ana Nogueira remained involved with the process.
One of the biggest areas of concern was reportedly the ending.
THR noted that the “climactic fight” was a major problem area and was ultimately reconfigured.
James Gunn’s Collaborators Were Brought in During Post-Production
Another major change came in the editing room.
Craig Gillespie had been working with editor Tatiana S. Riegel, a longtime collaborator who previously edited Gillespie films including I, Tonya and Cruella.
However, Gunn eventually brought in Fred Raskin, who edited all three Guardians of the Galaxy movies and worked with Gunn on other projects.
A clip from Supergirl – DC
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THR described Raskin’s addition as a key moment when DC Studios became more involved with the final version of Supergirl.
The two cuts were eventually tested against each other, with the studio version reportedly winning by only two points.
The differences were apparently not massive, but DC Studios ultimately decided to move forward with its cut.
The Final Battle Became a Major Creative Sticking Point
One of the more interesting details from the report involves Supergirl’s final battle sequence.
Following the movie’s release, many viewers criticized the climax for feeling extremely similar to Gunn’s previous superhero projects, especially due to its use of a major musical needle drop during an emotional action sequence.
According to THR, music was actually one of the areas where Gunn and Gillespie disagreed.
Supergirl fighting in the Supergirl Trailer – YouTube, DC
During one test screening, the final battle reportedly featured a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which the outlet says was Gunn’s selection.
That song was later replaced by a cover of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.”
The final sequence became one of the movie’s most mocked creative choices, with some fans arguing that it felt more like Gunn’s personal style than Gillespie’s.
Supergirl Raises Questions About DC Studios’ Creative Approach
The situation highlights one of the biggest challenges facing Gunn’s version of DC Studios.
Unlike traditional studio executives, Gunn is still an active filmmaker within the universe he controls. He writes, directs, and oversees projects while also making creative decisions on movies from other directors.
While some may argue that kind of oversight creates a more unified DC Universe, others may question how much individual directors can truly shape their own projects if the studio head’s creative vision ultimately takes priority.
James Gunn and John Cena introduce the Red Band Trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 – YouTube, DC
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THR quoted one anonymous franchise filmmaker who explained that competing cuts between studios and directors do happen, but they are not necessarily common.
“It happens more than you think, but it’s not normal,” the filmmaker said.
Gunn entered DC Studios promising a more focused and carefully managed universe after years of turmoil surrounding DC movies.
James Gunn and David Corenswet sit for an interview about Superman – YouTube, Fandango
However, the reported struggles surrounding Supergirl show that even a filmmaker-led studio can still find itself dealing with the same creative battles that have existed in Hollywood for decades.
I’m sure fans will start a #ReleaseTheGillespieCut any day now…
How do you feel about James Gunn taking over Supergirl? Sound off and let us know?
