Supergirl debuted in second place at the box office, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film grossed around $40 million domestically during its opening weekend, trailing behind Toy Story 5, which continued to perform strongly with estimated earnings of $72.5 million.[1]
What happened
Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, experienced a modest debut with approximately $40 million domestically, despite grossing $18 million on its opening day, including Thursday previews. The film features Milly Alcock in the lead role and is part of a larger slate planned by DC Studios’ James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“Supergirl received a B- CinemaScore from audiences,”
a report stated, contrasting with Superman’s A- score from the previous year.
In contrast, Pixar’s Toy Story 5 soared to an estimated $72.5 million for the weekend, adding to its substantial $300 million domestic total. The animated sequel performed well in its second weekend, dropping about 55 percent from its initial $160 million opening. The film, which includes returning voice actors Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, has drawn sizable family audiences.[2]
Why it matters
The box office performance of Supergirl suggests challenges for Warner Bros., which seeks to rejuvenate its superhero brand following Superman’s success, which grossed $618 million globally. The reactions from audiences may indicate shifting market dynamics, particularly as animated films like Toy Story 5 continue to dominate the box office.[3]
Background
On May 20, 2026, the opening of Superman set the stage for Warner Bros.’ subsequent superhero releases, signaling a desire to compete aggressively in the cinematic universe. After a strong reception for the previous film, expectations were high for Supergirl’s performance.
What’s next
Looking ahead, DC Studios plans to release the horror-themed film Clayface on October 13, 2026, as part of its strategy to diversify its slate of superhero films while navigating audience preferences.
