Supergirl brings a reluctant and relatable hero to the big screen
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Milly Alcock plays the titular character in the film, which is based on comic-book series Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Supergirl star Milly Alcock says the new DC Studios comic-book movie humanises its hero.
The Australian actress, who takes on the dual role of Supergirl/Kara Zor-El, joined cast members Jason Momoa, Eve Ridley and Matthias Schoenaerts at a sneak-peek fan event in London on June 18, teasing an unexpected turn on the big screen.
“I would describe her as a very reluctant hero. I think she’s a bit of a rebel, but she’s got a lot of humility, and I think audiences are going to be very surprised,” Alcock said.
Landing the lead role in the summer blockbuster took the 26-year-old House Of The Dragon (2022 to present) and Sirens (2025) star on an empowering and emotional journey.
“It’s my first film, so it’s kind of been the biggest thing ever in the world. And I feel like now I can do anything because I’ve done something like this,” Alcock said. “It was like every feeling at once, the highest highs and the lowest lows. It’s a beautiful sea of bliss and self-doubt.”
The movie is based on the comic-book series Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow (2021 to 2022), with I, Tonya (2017) and Cruella (2021) film-maker Craig Gillespie directing from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira.
It shows Superman’s cousin Kara embarking on an intergalactic mission with the young Ruthye Marye Knoll (Ridley) to hunt down space pirate Krem of the Yellow Hills (Schoenaerts), avenge the murder of Ruthye’s family and save Supergirl’s dog, Krypto. Along the way, they come across Aquaman (2018) star Momoa’s bounty hunter Lobo.
Gillespie said his vision for the movie was shaped by the grit and authenticity of the source material, and the unapologetic attitude of its protagonist.
“Particularly for a female superhero, she wasn’t on this pedestal. She was flawed. She was going through trauma. She had issues she was trying to figure out,” said the 58-year-old Australian director.
“And to see that and have it be something that you can actually relate to, a person that you can recognise in yourself, I was really excited to be able to do it in this kind of film.”
Milly Alcock in Supergirl.
PHOTO: WBEI
For Momoa, landing the role of Lobo was a long-time dream and goal.
“It’s a proud achievement. You never think you’re going to play your childhood comic-book character,” said the 46-year-old American actor, adding that Lobo serves as “a little bit of spice” in the movie.
“You get to see what he’s like. It’s just to see if you guys like Lobo, maybe we’ll do more,” Momoa said. “It’s the same thing like Aquaman. We start out slow and if fans love it, then of course we’re going to service that.”
Supergirl begins its global theatrical roll-out on June 24. REUTERS