Why Does Hollywood Keep Fumbling Female Superheroes?

‘Supergirl’ Crashes Down to Earth

There's a scene at the end of Supergirl that sums up its issues perfectly. Kara Zor-El, played by Milly Alcock, finally embraces her superpowers, ready to take on evil with fervor. But instead of a rousing anthem to mark her transformation, we're hit with an acoustic rendition of 'The Middle' by Jimmy Eat World. It's cringeworthy – a misstep courtesy of James Gunn, DC Studios' new leader.

“That was probably the biggest discussion,” director Craig Gillespie told Rolling Stone about the song choice. “And I gotta credit James Gunn for that one.”

Yet, Supergirl's problems run deeper than one awkward song choice. It was doomed from the start, introduced in Gunn’s Superman with a brief, unimpressive cameo. As critic Owen Gleiberman noted, the film is “full of action yet numbingly flat” and a box office flop, earning just $38 million against a hefty budget.

With a Little Help From My Friends

Unlike Superman, which thrived on a solid ensemble, Supergirl lacks compelling characters aside from Alcock and Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll. Jason Momoa appears as Lobo, but with little impact. The film's script fails to flesh out motivations or backstories, leaving audiences detached.

The storytelling is thin, reminiscent of a dark episode of The Mandalorian rather than epic superhero cinema. Its fantasy world fails to captivate or add depth, with its alien landscapes and creatures feeling more like a gimmick than a setting.

The Culture War

Hollywood's track record with female superheroes is spotty at best. While hits like Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel found success amid backlash, others like Supergirl and Batgirl flopped or faced shelving. "Supergirl" isn't alone – films like Red Sonja and The Marvels have also struggled.

Brendan Fraser once said of the industry, "The product—I'm sorry 'content'—is being commodified to the extent that it's more valuable to burn it down and get the insurance on it than to give it a shot in the marketplace." Superhero fatigue is partly to blame, as audiences tire of formulaic plots and recycled IPs, seeking fresh narratives elsewhere.

The Road Ahead

Writer Ana Nogueira's upcoming "Wonder Woman" film is a glimmer of hope, but as of now, female superhero projects are scarce. Fans are eager for stories centered around dynamic characters like Vixen, Silk, or a "Tank Girl" reboot. The superhero landscape needs to evolve, learning from "Supergirl's" missteps to tell stories that resonate and empower.

Hollywood must do better. The world is ready for more inspiring female hero narratives that do justice to their complex worlds and the brilliant women who inhabit them.