Supergirl Trailer Sparks Fan Theories, But It’s Not Brainiac

The new Supergirl trailer has finally arrived. It gives fans a thrilling look at Milly Alcock’s take on the iconic hero. The footage also sparked immediate debate among DC Universe followers. Many viewers thought they saw a major Superman villain being introduced.

That assumption appears to be incorrect. The trailer’s pivotal moment shows a Kryptonian city being encased as the planet explodes. While this resembles a classic villain’s act, it actually depicts a tragic event from Supergirl’s own comic book history. The film is adapting the acclaimed “Woman of Tomorrow” storyline closely.

Argo City’s Tragic Fate, Not Brainiac’s Kandor

The city seen in the bubble is Argo City. This is Supergirl’s home, not the bottled city of Kandor. According to DC Comics lore, Argo City was saved by her father, Zor-El, as Krypton died. He created a protective dome to save its citizens.

This story is drawn directly from “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” In that comic, a fragment of Krypton holding Argo City broke away. The dome allowed survivors to linger temporarily in space. This is the specific tragedy shown in the trailer footage from Warner Bros.

Brainiac’s story is different. The villain famously shrunk the capital city of Kandor before Krypton’s destruction. That city is typically kept in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. The two cities are distinct pieces of Kryptonian history. The trailer focuses solely on Supergirl’s origin story.

Why the Confusion Over the DCU Villain?

Fans logically connected the imagery to Brainiac. The iconic villain is strongly tied to Krypton’s end in modern stories. In games like Injustice 2, Supergirl even witnesses Brainiac’s attack. This has reshaped public perception of her origin in recent years.

Reports also state Brainiac is the likely villain for “Superman: Man of Tomorrow.” That film follows “Supergirl” in the DCU schedule. It was easy for audiences to assume a direct link. However, director James Gunn has stressed that DCU films will stand alone more.

The creative team is prioritizing a faithful adaptation. They are using Tom King’s “Woman of Tomorrow” comic as the direct source. That story does not feature Brainiac. Therefore, the trailer does not tease the next Superman movie’s plot. It focuses on Kara Zor-El’s personal journey and loss.

The Supergirl trailer masterfully sets up her solo adventure without relying on a familiar villain’s tease. It promises a deep, character-driven story rooted in its comic source material, carving its own path in the new DC Universe.

Dropping this nugget your way

Does the Supergirl trailer feature Brainiac?

No, the trailer does not feature Brainiac. The city shown inside a protective bubble is Argo City, Supergirl’s home. This moment depicts its survival during Krypton’s explosion, a key event from her comic origin.

What is the difference between Argo City and Kandor?

Argo City is Supergirl’s home city, saved by her father’s technology. Kandor is Krypton’s capital, shrunk and stolen by the villain Brainiac. Both survive the planet’s destruction but have completely different stories.

Is the Supergirl movie connected to Superman: Man of Tomorrow?

Both films are part of the new DC Universe, but “Supergirl” is not a direct setup for “Man of Tomorrow.” James Gunn has indicated each film will tell its own story without requiring viewers to see the others first.

What comic is the Supergirl movie based on?

The film is primarily based on “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. The trailer’s depiction of Argo City’s fate is taken directly from this modern and critically acclaimed comic series.