Milly Alcock’s Supergirl has officially exited the HBO Max US Top 10 movies chart as of October 17. The film, which debuted on the streaming platform on September 10, had maintained a consistent presence in the rankings for over a month following its difficult theatrical release.
The $43.6 million theatrical deficit
The film's streaming longevity stands in stark contrast to its performance in cinemas. Directed by Craig Gillespie, Supergirl was produced on a substantial $170 million budget but only managed to earn $126.4 million at the worldwide box office. This gap highlights the increasing difficulty of launching new superhero properties within the DC Universe (DCU) when they fail to capture immediate theatrical momentum.
As the report indicates, this financial shortfall follows a pattern seen in recent blockbuster era transitions, where high-budget spectacles struggle to find footing if they do not immediately resonate with general audiences. While James Gunn’s Superman provided a successful launchpad for the DCU, Supergirl was unable to replicate that commercial success, despite Alcock's earlier cameo in the Superman film.
The disappearance of DC titles from the US Top 10
The departure of Supergirl from the HBO Max charts has left a noticeable void for DC Universe content in the United States. The Cat in the Hat, featuring Mike Myers and Dakota Fanning , has moved into the vacancy left by the Girl of Steel. Currently, there are no DC-branded movies appearing in the service's US Top 10 list.
However, the DCU maintains a foothold in other formats on the platform. The live-action series Lanterns remains a powerhouse, holding the second position on the nationwide TV show chart,trailing only the legal thriller War. This suggests that while DC's cinematic reach may be wavering on the streamer,its television properties continue to drive significant engagement.
FlixPatrol data shows a resilient global audience
Despite the exit from the US Top 10, Supergirl continues to perform well on an international scale. According to FlixPatrol, the film remains the ninth most-watched movie on HBO Max worldwide and is currently trending in 18 different countries. This global interest suggests that the character's appeal may be more geographically diverse than the domestic US box office numbers initially implied.
Will the 2027 Man of Tomorrow appearance secure Alcock's future?
The long-term viability of Milly Alcock’s version of Kara Zor-El remains an open question for DCU architects. While her streaming numbers are encouraging, the film's inability to break even theatrically raises questions about whether the character can lead a solo franchise again. The source does not clarify if a direct sequel is in development, only that the character is a confirmed part of the broader cinematic tapestry.
Alcock is already slated to return in 2027's Man of Tomorrow, where she will join David Corenswet's Superman to battle the villain Brainiac. Whether this ensemble appearance can rebuild the character's commercial foundation or if she will remain primarily a streaming-focused asset is a pivotal uncertainty for the future of the DCU.
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