Release the Gillespie Cut? The Backstory Behind the Supergirl Test Screenings and Song Changes

The soundtrack choices for a blockbuster movie often spark more debate than the action itself. In the case of Supergirl, one particular moment—a climactic battle score featuring Kelty Greye and KidMotel’s take on Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle”—became a lightning rod for discussion among fans. Many felt the inclusion undercut the film’s intensity, especially considering producer James Gunn’s reputation for iconic musical moments.

This perceived artistic deviation led to an interesting look behind the scenes regarding how the final cut was assembled. Reports suggest that this specific score was incorporated into a retooled studio version of the film, which differed from director Craig Gillespie‘s original vision. While Gillespie’s cut was reportedly twelve minutes longer and offered a more fleshed-out portrayal of the villain, Matthias Schoenaerts’s Krem, it featured completely different musical choices.

Ultimately, the studio opted for the slightly tighter, retooled version over returning to the editing room, though the differences were not drastically pronounced. Regardless of the finer creative details that were shifted in post-production, a clear pattern emerged: the studio likely knew the film was struggling commercially long before it hit theaters. This sentiment was echoed when comparing the movie’s scores to those of other DC disappointments like Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

The box office results seemed to tell the definitive story. Despite praise from original Supergirl Helen Slater, the film did not prove to be a great launch for Milly Alcock’s portrayal of the character. It remains a mixed commercial performance despite the high-profile talent involved.

However, cinematic history is rarely a straight line into the future. The story of Supergirl continues with its cast members returning to the big screen. Milly Alcock will be back in theaters next summer as a co-star in the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow, suggesting that while this particular venture didn’t land perfectly, the creative universe surrounding Supergirl is far from over.

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