Superhero and sci-fi franchises dominated the Super Bowl trailer season once again this year, but two major 2026 releases have sparked very different reactions from audiences.
While DC Studios leaned further into its newly launched cinematic universe (the DCU) with a new look at the upcoming Supergirl (2026), Lucasfilm unveiled another preview for The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) that has left many fans uncertain about the film’s direction.
DC Studios’ Supergirl
The second teaser for Supergirl that aired during the Super Bowl gave audiences another full look at Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El, while also revealing a surprise emotional hook.
The footage included a flashback sequence showing Krypto the Superdog as a puppy, offering an early glimpse into Kara’s connection with her Kryptonian canine companion.
The film arrives as DC Studios continues building its rebooted shared universe following the release of Superman in 2025.
Written and directed by DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn, that film introduced David Corenswet as Clark Kent alongside Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, laying the groundwork for the first wave of content across film and television that the studio has collectively titled Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
Supergirl represents the first major expansion of that storyline since Superman, further establishing the franchise’s new generation of heroes, which is also set to include Batman.
Related: ‘Star Wars’ Officially Rewrites Grogu’s Origin Story in ‘Mandalorian’ | Disney Dining
Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu
Meanwhile, Lucasfilm debuted a second teaser for The Mandalorian and Grogu, the theatrical continuation of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, which ran from 2019 to 2023.
The Super Bowl ad preview shows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu on a tauntaun-pulled sled with a voiceover from actor Sam Elliott. But the bizarre stylistic presentation quickly drew mixed reactions from many Star Wars fans. Watch the new teaser below:
Taking to social media, many fans questioned the teaser’s unusual style, while others continued to voice concerns about the film maintaining the visual and structural feel of a television production rather than embracing a large-scale, cinematic Star Wars project.
The project also faces the challenge of reviving momentum after The Mandalorian Season 3 received a noticeably poor reception in 2023.
Mando and Grogu Vs. Supergirl
With both projects targeting similar blockbuster audiences just a month apart, a clear contrast is emerging.
Supergirl is positioning a new hero pairing in Kara and Krypto, while The Mandalorian and Grogu relies on an established duo attempting to translate streaming success onto the big screen, years after their cultural relevance has faded.
Which project will emerge victorious at the box office? Historically, Star Wars films have been commercial successes. As for DC, last year’s Superman grossed $618.7 million against a $225 million budget. Supergirl isn’t as iconic a figure as the Man of Steel, but if it all comes down to marketing and audience interest, then the DCU is likely to outperform the upcoming Star Wars film significantly.
But what really has us interested is whether Kara and Baby Krypto will outshine Mando and Grogu on the big screen.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is scheduled to release on May 22, 2026, while Supergirl is set to arrive in theaters on June 26, 2026.
Which film are you more excited about, The Mandalorian and Grogu or Supergirl? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
