Following the huge success of Superman, DC Studios is expanding its cinematic universe with a new film centered on Kara Zor-El titled Supergirl. Unlike the sleek superhero worlds we’re used to, Kara’s intergalactic adventure will take audiences into the darkest, most decayed corners of the universe.
To bring this explosive journey to life, the production team invested an enormous budget and effort, reflected in some unbelievable numbers below!
1. A painful rescue mission for the “super dog” through the galaxy’s darkest places
In this project, Kara Zor-El is no longer a flawless superhero ideal. Haunted by the horrific destruction of her home planet and deep emotional scars, she embarks on a space journey to rescue her beloved dog, Krypto.
Reluctantly joining her is Ruthye, a young girl driven by a fierce desire to find her family’s killer. The film will take viewers across dying planets and impoverished settlements on the galaxy’s edge, marked by decay and collapse.
2. Boldly creating six new alien languages
To build an authentic universe, Supergirl features nine alien languages, including six invented by linguists specifically for the film.
The actors didn’t just memorize a few words for show, they performed lengthy dialogues with fully structured grammar in Kryptonian, especially in emotionally charged scenes between Kara and her parents.
3. Nearly 700 graphic designs for an interplanetary stopover
DC’s ambition to create a vibrant galaxy shines through in the set design. Legendary makeup artist Peter Swords King and his team crafted over 150 alien characters, each with unique appearances, skin textures, and ethnicities.
The art department produced 343 real-world set design drawings and 348 graphic designs for interplanetary stops, covering everything from neon signs and product packaging to tribal branding.
These imaginative elements were developed with incredible investment to make the galaxy in Supergirl feel truly real, showcasing the filmmakers’ meticulous attention to detail.
4. Minimizing CGI: Building six real tanks and 800 handcrafted skulls
Beyond its grand scale, director Craig Gillespie chose to limit green screen and CGI overuse. For the notorious Brigands gang, the crew built six massive real tanks, including two diesel-powered, one electric drivable version, and three static models for explosion scenes.
The gang’s prison walls were decorated with 800 fully handmade skulls to create a chilling, desolate atmosphere.
Even the food on screen is real: over 100 creepy eyeball-shaped cakes at Evely’s bar were crafted from premium baking ingredients, and the wriggling maggots eaten by villain Krem were actually made from sweet milk jelly.
5. Using 3,058 meters of canvas and nearly 13 kilometers of cables for flying scenes
Evely Square, one of the film’s key locations, required 3,058 meters of fabric for tents, curtains, and faction decorations.
To deliver breathtaking and realistic flying and aerial combat scenes, the rigging team set up a cable system stretching nearly 13 kilometers (8 miles). This allowed the lead actress to perform high-speed flips and maneuvers freely without relying heavily on CGI.
6. Two real dogs bring the “super dog” Krypto to life
As a key emotional anchor of the film, Krypto the dog was carefully brought to life using real motion capture techniques. Instead of relying solely on CGI, the production recruited two talented real dogs.
Stan plays young Krypto with adorable expressions, while Blanco portrays the adult, heroic Krypto fighting alongside Kara.