Supergirl actor Matthias Schoenaerts sentenced to prison amid ongoing driving violations in Belgium

Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts, acclaimed for films such as Rust and Bone and soon to be seen as the villain Krem of the Yellow Hills in DC’s upcoming Supergirl movie, is facing significant legal trouble in his home country. According to a report from Belgian broadcaster VRT, Schoenaerts received a six-month prison sentence, a €4,000 fine, and a one-year driving ban after a police court in Beringen ruled on multiple driving offenses.

The 47-year-old actor was twice stopped by authorities in April 2024 while riding his motorcycle in Pelt, Limburg. Although he had already been prohibited from driving in Antwerp since 2021 due to a previous driving-under-the-influence case, he had never completed the required examinations or rehabilitation assessments linked to that ban. The court also noted that Schoenaerts has 11 prior convictions related to driving violations. He did not appear for the most recent hearing and was sentenced in absentia. He still retains the right to appeal.

The ruling does not cover a separate, more recent incident. As reported last week, Schoenaerts was detained again in Pelt after he allegedly refused a breathalyzer test and was once more found operating a vehicle without a valid license. Police sources described his behavior as uncooperative. That case remains open.

If Schoenaerts appeals the latest verdict, he will not be taken into custody immediately and could potentially be free by the time DC Studios’ Supergirl releases in July 2026. The film, directed by Craig Gillespie, adapts Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El.

Screenwriter Ana Nogueira recently discussed the film's darker thematic direction, highlighting its focus on Kara’s traumatic past and formative experiences before arriving on Earth.

The cast also includes Jason Momoa as Lobo, Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye, and David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham as Zor-El and Alura In-Ze. Schoenaerts’ portrayal of the antagonist Krem now arrives overshadowed by real-life legal complications.