Supergirl Director Credits James Gunn for Helping Choose Song for Much-Discussed Slow-Motion Fight Scene
Director Craig Gillespie says he credits DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn for helping choose the song used in the slow-motion Supergirl fight scene that has caused a stir on social media.
Warning! Spoilers for Supergirl follow.
The filmmaker spearheading the latest live-action DCU installment spoke about the process of choosing tunes for the movie during a conversation published by Rolling Stone yesterday, June 26, 2026. One topic of discussion involved a late-story moment where Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) defends her companion, Ruthye (Eve Ridley), from an onslaught of Brigands and their leader, Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts).
This specific moment, featured in some trailers, sees Supergirl using all of her Kryptonian power as audiences are treated to a slow-motion scene that serves as the film's final major action sequence. What pre-release footage didn't reveal is that the moment is also backed by a cover of Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle" performed by Kelty Greye and KidMotel.
Gillespie and screenwriter Ana Nogueira recall that choosing the song was far from a simple process. Ultimately, after looking at "about 45 songs" to fit the scene, the director says it was Gunn who he credits for helping with the final call.
"Oh, God. It went ’round and ’round, didn’t it?" Nogueira said. "There were a lot of options."
"That was probably the biggest discussion," Gillespie chimed in. "And it was down to the very last week, and I gotta give James credit for that one."
It would make sense that the DC executive and Superman director would have a hand in such a pivotal point in Supergirl. Unfortunately, it's not a call that seems to have played out well for the film, at least online.
Fans aren't sure what to make of the second DCU movie as it swoops through its first weekend in theaters, but this song choice, specifically, has left many scratching their heads. Many have taken to social media to dicuss its implementation, making it one of the prevailing talking points currently surrounding the project. Even a few who enjoyed the film – including some who like The Middle cover on its own – aren't sure what to make of it.
"I largely thought the movie was fine to pretty good most of the time but I just…. WHY did they use that version of the song?" one fan commented . "Why didn’t they just do the normal one?"
Made with love, but I had to do it. pic.twitter.com/QCQfCdIfv2 — HiTop Alex (@HiTopFilms) June 26, 2026
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"If you are considering 45 songs for a needle drop don't do a needle drop," another said . "A good theme for her would have been better than any needle drop."
"The one thing I noticed about Supergirl reviews was the comment about a final song not fitting," another fan argued . "I’m sorry but that song was absolutely perfect. Kara’s gonna be alright.
Supergirl premiered June 26, 2026. While we wait to see how fans are taking Alcock's take on Kara, you can read IGN's 6/10 review . You can also read about how one of our writers feels about the film's final act .
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).