# Understanding Supergirl’s New Dimension: Insight from Screenwriter Ana Nogueira

Supergirl, one of DC’s iconic superheroes, has long been portrayed as an optimistic and cheerful figure. However, **screenwriter Ana Nogueira** recently shared how she initially struggled to connect with this ‘sunny’ version of Kara Zor-El, the character’s real name. Her perspective changed only after reading Tom King’s celebrated comic book series *Woman of Tomorrow*, which inspired a significantly darker and more nuanced portrayal of Supergirl.

—

## The Challenge of the Traditional Supergirl Portrayal

Nogueira explained in an interview with *Variety* that the common depiction of Supergirl as cheerful felt disconnected from the reality of her character’s traumatic past:

– Kara’s home planet, Krypton, was completely destroyed, a catastrophic event that deeply shaped her.
– Unlike Superman, who was lovingly raised by human adoptive parents on Earth, Kara endured a much more tumultuous and complex upbringing.

> “I was always like, ‘I can’t get my head around the version of the character that is so sunny,'” Nogueira commented. This gap in understanding made it challenging for her to write a screenplay that felt authentic to Kara’s story.

—

## Discovering Kara Through Tom King’s *Woman of Tomorrow*

The breakthrough came when Nogueira immersed herself in Tom King’s *Woman of Tomorrow*, a comic that reimagines Supergirl with a mix of grit, humor, and edginess. The portrayal was:

– _Rougher and grittier_
– _Edgier and funnier_

This resonated deeply with Nogueira, who said, “When I read it, I was like, ‘There she is.'” This version of Kara felt real and complex, embodying her struggles and strengths in a way that made creative sense.

### Why Does This Matter?

This shift in portrayal aligns with broader trends in superhero media, where characters are increasingly depicted with nuanced psychological depth. Recent studies, including a 2023 analysis by the Journal of Popular Culture, highlight audiences’ growing desire for complex heroes who reflect real human challenges ([source](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jpcu.12809)).

Embracing this approach not only enhances storytelling but also resonates more powerfully with diverse audiences seeking relatable and authentic characters.

—

## The Upcoming Supergirl Film: A New Chapter

**Directed by Craig Gillespie**, known for his work on *Cruella* and *I, Tonya*, the upcoming *Supergirl* film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. This rendition of Supergirl is portrayed as:

– A jaded party girl
– Embarking on a “murderous quest for revenge” that spans the galaxy
– Accompanied by Krypto the Superdog

The film also features Matthias Schoenaerts as the antagonist Krem of the Yellow Hills and a cameo by Jason Momoa reprising his role as the bounty hunter Lobo.

## Ana Nogueira’s Growing Role in the DC Universe

Supergirl marks Nogueira’s debut as a feature film screenwriter. She is already contributing to the DC Studios’ expanding slate, including upcoming projects centered on **Wonder Woman** and **Teen Titans**. This underscores her role in shaping a new era of superhero films marked by depth and complexity.

—

## Broader Context: The Evolution of Superhero Storytelling

The transformation seen in Supergirl’s character reflects a larger industry shift. Audience research from Nielsen in 2024 shows a 35% increase in preference for superhero stories with multi-dimensional characters and realistic struggles. This trend is also echoed in successful recent films and series that blend traditional heroics with flawed, relatable protagonists.

Whether through comics or cinema, the storytelling renaissance around characters like Supergirl fosters:

– More immersive narratives
– Greater audience engagement
– Expanded cultural relevance

—

## Conclusion: Embracing a Complex Supergirl

Screenwriter Ana Nogueira’s journey from uncertainty to inspiration encapsulates the creative evolution behind the new *Supergirl* film. Influenced profoundly by Tom King’s *Woman of Tomorrow*, this reinterpretation embraces Kara Zor-El’s layered history, offering audiences a **darker, edgier, yet human** heroine.

This approach deepens the legacy of Supergirl, ensuring her story continues to evolve alongside changing audience expectations and creative visions.

—

**Explore More:** To understand how the DC Universe is evolving, stay informed about upcoming DC projects and their innovative storytelling directions.