Supergirl: Helen Slater Endorses Milly Alcock's Take – What's Next for DC's Reboot

Helen Slater Gives Her Seal of Approval to Milly Alcock’s Supergirl

Helen Slater, who first brought Kara Zor-El to life in the 1984 Supergirl film, has publicly endorsed Milly Alcock’s portrayal. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Slater said she was “fully on board” after seeing Alcock’s brief appearance near the end of James Gunn’s Superman (2025).

“It's just really tapping into something beautiful, irreverent, salty and gritty and great.” — Helen Slater on Milly Alcock’s Supergirl

Slater, 62, praised the direction from Gunn and Craig Gillespie, stating they “just really got it right.” She described Alcock’s performance as refreshing and a natural evolution from her own interpretation. The endorsement marks a significant passing of the torch between two generations of the character.

From 1984 to 2026: How Supergirl Finally Returns to the Big Screen

Milly Alcock’s debut in Superman marked the character’s first theatrical appearance since Slater’s 1984 standalone film, which was a spin-off from the Christopher Reeve era. The new version, set in James Gunn’s interconnected DC Universe, repositions Supergirl as a key player alongside David Corenswet’s Superman.

The 1984 film embraced a lighter, campier tone, while Alcock’s Supergirl—teased in a post-credits scene—hints at a grittier, cosmic arc. Slater’s endorsement bridges this legacy, reinforcing fan excitement for the upcoming reboot. The shift parallels other franchise reinventions, such as Rockstar’s approach to modernizing blockbuster IPs.

• 1984 film budget: $35 million; box office: $14 million (underperformer).
• 2025 Superman grossed over $900 million worldwide, setting up Alcock’s spin-off.
• Slater’s endorsement is the first public support from an original cast member for a DC Universe reboot.

What Fans Can Expect from the Rebooted Supergirl Movie

James Gunn’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, starring Alcock, is based on Tom King’s acclaimed comic series of the same name. The film promises a darker, more cosmic tone—aligning with Slater’s description of “irreverent and gritty.” Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) directs, with a script that explores Kara’s origins after the destruction of Krypton.

Early buzz highlights Alcock’s chemistry with Corenswet and her ability to balance vulnerability with power. The film is expected to push beyond Earth-bound narratives, introducing alien worlds and moral ambiguity. Much like AI’s rapid adoption in tech, this reboot represents the DC Universe’s aggressive expansion into fresh storytelling territories.

1. Release window: Summer 2027 (tentative).
2. Cast: Milly Alcock (Kara Zor-El), David Corenswet (cameo).
3. Source material: Tom King’s 9-issue miniseries (2021-2022).
4. Tone: Described as “Star Wars meets Logan” by insiders.

Key Takeaways

• Helen Slater, the original Supergirl, has publicly endorsed Milly Alcock's take on the character, praising it as 'beautiful, irreverent, salty and gritty'.
• Milly Alcock debuted as Supergirl in James Gunn's Superman (2025), setting the stage for her own solo film.
• The upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow marks a tonal shift from the 1984 film, embracing a darker, cosmic storyline.
• Slater's support highlights a passing of the torch and reinforces fan excitement for the reboot.
• Gunn's DC Universe continues to expand, with Supergirl playing a key role in the interconnected narrative.
• The 1984 Supergirl remains a cult classic, but the new version aims to modernize the character for contemporary audiences.