Milly Alcock plays the titular Girl of Steel in Supergirl, which hits theaters this summer.
The Australian actress first appeared as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl in last year’s Superman, the first installment of the new DCU.
During a recent interview, Alcock discussed the challenges of headlining a female superhero film. The 25-year-old admitted she expected backlash, given how women are often treated in blockbuster franchises.
“Of course I’m scared,” she said.
Milly Alcock opens up about potential Supergirl backlash
Image credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
Appearing in a big-budget franchise comes with intense scrutiny, and Milly Alcock says she’s prepared for it.
On Wednesday, DC Studios unveiled the full trailer alongside an interview Alcock gave to Vanity Fair.
The House of the Dragon actress said her stint in the HBO show made her aware of the backlash women can face in such roles.
“Simply existing as a woman in that space is something that people comment on,” she stated.
Image credits: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Alcock’s fears appeared to be validated when negative reactions flooded social media. On X, several users criticized the actress, calling her comment insulting and accusing her of playing the victim card.
“She won’t face scrutiny from me, as I won’t be supporting this dumpster fire,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “Preemptive outrage for when it inevitably bombs at the box office.”
“Great job insulting half your audience before the film even drops,” a third person added.
Others empathized with Alcock, citing actresses such as Jennifer Lawrence and Rachel Zegler, who also faced criticism for their involvement in the Hunger Games franchise.
Milly Alcock initially didn’t want the Supergirl role
Image credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
In the same interview, Alcock also discussed auditioning for the role of Kara Zor-El.
She initially did not want to be part of another major franchise following her experience with the Game of Thrones universe. However, after her stint on House of the Dragon ended, Alcock found herself unemployed for nearly a year.
“I was so sh*t-scared that my life was over at 22,” she confessed.
When the opportunity to play Supergirl came along, she practically “bullied” herself into auditioning.
Alcock admitted she wanted audiences to like her portrayal and the film, but understood the outcome was out of her control.
Who else stars in Supergirl?
Image credits: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images
Aside from Alcock in the titular role, the film also stars Jason Momoa as Lobo, an alien bounty hunter. Momoa previously played Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the DCEU.
Newcomer Eve Ridley plays Ruthye Marye Knoll, a girl seeking vengeance for her father’s demise. Matthias Schoenaerts appears as the film’s villain, Krem of the Yellow Hills.
David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham portray Supergirl’s parents, Zor-El and Alura In-Ze.
Image credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
Additionally, David Corenswet reprises his role as Kara’s cousin, Clark Kent/Superman.
The film is based on the comic miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and is directed by Craig Gillespie, with James Gunn and Peter Safran serving as producers.
Supergirl is scheduled to release in theaters on June 26, 2026.
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