‘Supergirl’ opens with $38 million at domestic box office as DC Studios leadership says strategy remains on track

Warner Bros. released “Supergirl” and the film earned $38 million at the domestic box office, according to The Hollywood Reporter, setting an early pace the outlet described as below expectations. The movie stars Milly Alcock as the titular character and was marketed as part of the broader DC Studios slate.

DC Studios leadership addressed the opening performance in comments reported by The Hollywood Reporter, with Peter Safran saying he is “confident” in the company’s overall strategy despite the weekend results. The remarks positioned the performance as something the team is taking in stride while continuing to build the franchise direction for future releases.

The Hollywood Reporter tied the studio’s message to its longer-term approach rather than treating the first-weekend outcome as a determination of the film’s trajectory. Safran’s confidence also underscored DC Studios’ emphasis on planning and execution for the slate, even as the box office results come in under early forecasts.

The weekend’s domestic total is notable for how it shapes industry expectations for an in-franchise theatrical release, particularly at a time when studios face pressure to manage production and marketing costs while competing for audience attention. For theaters and distributors, the opening figure is often a key benchmark for subsequent day-to-day demand, including the level of screen time and the breadth of advertising support that follows the debut window.

Warner Bros.’ domestic release of “Supergirl” also highlights the continuing role of established studio brands in a market where audiences have many entertainment options. The Hollywood Reporter’s account framed the release as part of DC Studios’ effort to maintain momentum around superhero properties, even when short-term results do not align with initial expectations.

For DC Studios and Warner Bros., the next set of performance indicators will likely include weekday hold rates, international totals, and how quickly audience interest translates into repeat viewings and word-of-mouth. The Hollywood Reporter’s reporting, however, centered on Safran’s stated view that the strategy is continuing, rather than on any immediate change to the broader plan.

As of the initial reporting, the central message from DC Studios leadership was that the early box office outcome would not by itself alter their franchise approach, with Safran pointing to confidence in the company’s execution while the theatrical run develops.