The upcoming Supergirl film—set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026—has already stirred controversy, but not over its plot. According to a report from an unnamed source, the movie's collectible popcorn bucket,designed as a detailed figurine of the character Lobo riding his motorcycle, has been widely criticized by fans for its extremely small popcorn capacity, making it more of a display item than a functional snack container.

A figurine with a hidden pocket: the Lobo bucket's one-scoop capacity

Unlike typical movie collectible buckets that balance a fun design with a shareable amount of popcorn,the Lobo figurine devotes nearly all its volume to the sculpted motorcycle and rider. The source reports that there is only a small hole under the motorcycle's seat that can barely accommodate a single scoop of popcorn—meaning one person might get just a few handfuls before it empties. As the report notes, this makes the bucket "completely unsuitable for a family or even a single moviegoer wanting a proper snack." The design prioritizes visual appeal over the practical purpose of holding a typical large serving.

Fan reactions on X: from 'cool' to 'dumb' in seconds

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) erupted with criticism after images of the bucket circulated.. The source quotes one user who succinctly captured the sentiment: "just give a free bucket of popcorn with purchase of the figure atp. in 5 seconds i went from this is cool to dumb." Another comment highlighted the perceived profit motive: "I know this is how cinemas make their money now but c'mon it can barely hold the popcorn." The backlash centers on the idea that the bucket is a cynical cash grab, offering little value beyond a novelty item.

Some fans will still buy—what drives collectible appeal despite impracticality

Despite the widespread complaints, the source notes that some fans indicated they will still purchase the Lobo bucket as a pure collectible, disregarding its lack of practicality. This highlights the powerful draw of movie merchandise for dedicated fanbases, where aesthetic or nostalgic value can outweigh functional utility. The report also mentions that other commenters proposed alternative designs, such as a large Supergirl-themed boot that could serve as a substantial popcorn bucket, suggesting that fans are open to collectibles that also deliver on snack capacity.

The cash-grab perception and the theater's balancing act

The controversy underscores a recurring tension in movie merchandise between collectibility and practicality. As the source reports, theaters rely on concession sales for profitability, and this bucket seems to have tipped far toward collectibility at the expense of the traditional snack experience. The reaction implies that fans feel theaters are pushing the envelope too far, prioritizing a high-margin item that fails its primary job. Whether this backlash will affect sales remains an open question,but the debate points to a broader challenge for studios: how to offer unique souvenirs without alienating the core moviegoing audience.