The darker ‘Supergirl’ ending explained and what’s next for the DC Universe

Milly Alcock‘s Supergirl has landed, giving Superman’s cousin her first standalone adventure in the rebooted DC Universe.

Inspired by the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the blockbuster follows Kara Zor-El on a revenge-fueled mission across the galaxy — but it takes a darker turn than its source material.

While 2025’s Superman introduced Kara to the new-look DC Universe, Supergirl expands her story and sets up her future in the superhero franchise.

Here’s what happens at the end of Supergirl, whether there’s a post-credits scene and what it all means for the Girl of Steel’s future. Be warned: Major spoilers follow.

What happens in ‘Supergirl’?

Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), Superman’s party-loving cousin, is pulled into a dangerous mission after crossing paths with young warrior Ruthye (Eve Ridley).

The pair set out to track down the ruthless mercenary Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), who murdered Ruthye’s father.

While Ruthye wants revenge, Kara has another reason to find him: Krem has poisoned her beloved dog, Krypto, and is carrying the only antidote.

How does ‘Supergirl’ end?

Kara and Ruthye catch up with Krem aboard his ship, where they’re joined by the bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa) for a climactic showdown.

Ruthye gets the chance to kill Krem. Kara persuades her to walk away, warning that revenge will not erase her grief. Instead, Kara kills Krem herself before taking the antidote and using it to save Krypto.

The movie ends with Kara returning to Earth, where she’s reunited with Superman (David Corenswet). She decides to stay, setting the stage for her next chapter in the DC Universe.

Does Krypto survive?

Dog lovers can breathe a sigh of relief. Despite spending much of the movie fighting for his life, Krypto survives and is reunited with Kara before the credits roll.

The super-powered pet remains by Kara’s side in the final scene, when the pair return to Earth and reunite with Superman.

Why does Supergirl kill Krem?

Kara’s decision to kill Krem marks one of the biggest changes from Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. In the comic, Kara lets him live.

In the film, by persuading Ruthye to walk away, Kara appears to want to spare the youngster from having to bear the burden of taking a life.

She also has her own score to settle. By poisoning Krypto, Krem threatened one of the few remaining connections she has to her home planet, Krypton.

At the same time, Krem is far more than a personal enemy. The mercenary has spent years murdering, kidnapping and terrorizing innocent people, making him a threat Kara is unwilling to let walk free.

The choice also highlights one of the biggest differences between Kara and Superman. Throughout the film, Kara is portrayed as a more hard-edged hero than her cousin, willing to blur the line between justice and vengeance.

Does ‘Supergirl’ have a post-credits scene?

Unlike many superhero movies, Supergirl doesn’t have a post-credits scene, so you’re free to leave once the credits begin rolling.

The reunion between Superman and Supergirl was originally intended to be the post-credits scene, according to director Craig Gillespie, but it was eventually included in the movie. “There was a discussion, but ultimately it was really the scene with Superman,” Gillespie told Polygon. “Where that landed, it felt better to be part of the film.”

Does the ending set up a ‘Supergirl’ sequel?

While the ending doesn’t tease a second Supergirl movie — which DC Studios has yet to announce — it does make clear that Kara’s story in the DC Universe is far from over.

The character’s reunion with Superman points directly toward her next appearance in the franchise. Alcock will star alongside Corenset in next year’s Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow.

Executive producer Lars P. Winther has confirmed Kara’s story will continue on Earth after the space-faring events of Supergirl. “She’s done her wild ways, and now she’s going to try to get back in with her cousin and be more on Earth again,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. “That’s where she is in Man of Tomorrow. It’s all more Earth-based.”

Meanwhile, writer and director James Gunn told Extra that Alcock will have a “big role” in Man of Tomorrow. He added, “She’s very, very different from her cousin, which puts them at odds, which is a big part of this movie [Supergirl], and then an even bigger part of Man of Tomorrow, which we’re filming now.”

While Kara’s next appearance has already been confirmed, Lobo’s future in the DC Universe remains under wraps. “If they want me, I’ll be there,” Momoa told Collider about the prospect of reprising his role. “But if I make a solo movie, I’m not doing it unless it’s rated R.”