Supergirl has become the worst-earning DC movie in over two decades, a title previously held by 2004's infamous 'Catwoman'. The film's catastrophic box office performance signals a deepening crisis for DC Studios' cinematic strategy.
Warner Bros. Discovery's 'Supergirl' (2026) has bombed spectacularly, earning less than any DC theatrical release since 'Catwoman' in 2004. Adjusted for inflation, it may rank even lower in the franchise's 40-year history. The superhero genre, once a guaranteed moneymaker, is now facing serious audience fatigue and quality backlash.
DC has struggled to replicate the success of its Marvel rivals. After the mixed reception of 'The Flash' (2023) and 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' (2023), the studio pinned hopes on 'Supergirl' as a fresh start. Instead, the film joins a graveyard of failed DC reboots, including 'Green Lantern' (2011) and 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' (2016, relative to expectations).
Exact figures are still emerging, but early estimates suggest the film earned under $150 million worldwide on a budget exceeding $200 million. For comparison, 'Catwoman' grossed $82 million globally in 2004 (about $135 million adjusted). 'Supergirl' outperforms that raw number but lags behind every other DC release, including 'Birds of Prey' (2020) and 'The Suicide Squad' (2021).
The failure underscores a broader problem: audiences are demanding originality and compelling storytelling over brand recognition alone. Critical reviews panned the film's script, pacing, and underdeveloped villain. Even star casting and aggressive marketing could not salvage the product.
For DC Studios, the fallout could accelerate the planned reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran. 'Supergirl' was meant to be a standalone, but its poor performance may push the studio to fast-track a complete universe reset. Future DC releases, including 'The Batman Part II' and 'Superman: Legacy', now carry even heavier expectations. If DC cannot reverse the trend, the superhero film bubble may burst for Warner Bros.
Culture
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‘Supergirl’ Is The Worst-Earning DC Movie Since 2004’s ‘Catwoman’
Supergirl isn't just a bomb, it's one of the worst-earning DC movies ever, at least in the last 22 years. Maybe even more, adjusting for inflation.
Paul Tassi, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
3/10
Key Takeaways
- 'Supergirl' earned under $150 million worldwide, the lowest gross for a DC theatrical release since 'Catwoman' ($82 million in 2004, ~$135 million adjusted).
- The film's budget exceeded $200 million, making it one of the most expensive DC bombs in history.
- Audience exit polls reported a 'B-' CinemaScore, the lowest for a DC solo female-led film since 'Catwoman' (also B-).
- DC has now suffered three consecutive box office disappointments: 'The Flash' ($270M vs $220M budget), 'Aquaman 2' ($434M vs $215M budget), and 'Supergirl'.
- The failure is a major setback for Warner Bros. Discovery's DC strategy, coming just months before James Gunn's planned reboot debuts with 'Superman: Legacy'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adjusted for inflation, 2004's 'Catwoman' is still the worst, but 'Supergirl' (2026) ranks as the lowest-grossing DC theatrical release since then, earning under $150 million.
Exact final numbers are pending, but early estimates place 'Supergirl' below $150 million worldwide, making it the worst performer among DC movies in 22 years.
Critical reviews were negative, citing a weak script and underdeveloped villain. Audience score (CinemaScore B-) was also poor, and DC brand fatigue further depressed turnout.
'Supergirl' grossed less than 'Birds of Prey' ($205M), 'The Suicide Squad' ($168M), and even 'The Flash' ($270M). Only 'Catwoman' (2004) performed worse in the modern era.
It likely accelerates James Gunn and Peter Safran's planned DC universe reboot. The poor results put pressure on upcoming 'Superman: Legacy' to restore audience trust.
Original source
www.forbes.com
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