Milly Alcock revolutionizes the DC universe with an imperfect and carefree Supergirl

The long-awaited first trailer of Supergirl has finally arrived, after years of turbulence in the cinematic development of the DC universe. Warner Bros. and DC Studios introduced Milly Alcock portraying Kara Zor-El, a radically different version of Superman’s cousin: a troubled, alcoholic, emotionally shattered twenty-something who completely breaks away from the polished image of the iconic Kryptonian hero.

An unexpected twist for Superman’s cousin

The Australian actress, known worldwide for her performance in House of the Dragon, now becomes the star of a project that challenges conventions of the superhero genre. Unlike previous adaptations, this incarnation of Supergirl does not seek to be a reflection of Superman, but to build her own identity marked by contradictions, vulnerability, and a darkness that no previous cinematic version dared to explore.

The trailer reveals a Kara Zor-El fighting in contexts that seem taken from post-apocalyptic universes, facing intergalactic criminals, and carrying an emotional chaos that defines her as much as her powers. The presence of Krypto, the legendary dog of Superman, accompanies her space adventures, adding a familiar dimension to her personal journey.

The influence of James Gunn and the new creative direction

Under James Gunn’s vision, the trailer reflects the same aesthetic that characterized Guardians of the Galaxy: chaotic, colorful, irreverent, and intergalactic. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie, responsible for the acclaimed film I, Tonya, who has described this Supergirl as a true antihero lacking the perfection that defines her predecessors.

During the presentation in New York, Gunn expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to show a character so imperfect and human, far from traditional heroic archetypes. This direction represents a fundamental change in how DC approaches its secondary characters from the Kryptonian universe.

Based on the acclaimed work of Tom King

The cinematic narrative has its roots in the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, published in 2022 by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely. The adaptation for the big screen was handled by Ana Nogueira, who preserved the sharp and emotionally raw tone of the original work.

In the source material, Kara embarks on a journey accompanied by Ruthye, a young alien whose father was murdered by Krem from Yellow Hill. This revenge mission structures the narrative with elements similar to classics like True Grit, combining journey, justice, and emotional transformation.

A path full of obstacles

The development of this film has been rocky. The project started in 2018, was paused by the pandemic, discarded in 2022 under the administration of David Zaslav, and finally rescued for the new DC cinematic universe in 2023.

Initially, the role was offered to Sasha Calle, who even appeared in The Flash (2023). However, with the complete reboot of the universe and the addition of Craig Gillespie as director, Milly Alcock was chosen to lead this new chapter. The actress expressed her surprise and excitement upon seeing the project materialize after so many administrative and creative changes.

A wild and complex heroine

The trailer shows a Supergirl different from any previous version: a woman who drinks excessively, throws herself into conflicts without thinking, and whose personal life reflects deep emotional struggles. After a particularly depressing birthday celebration, Kara finds herself embroiled in cosmic conflicts that push her toward an impossible revenge mission.

The screenplay deliberately explores her darker aspects, including her problematic relationship with alcohol, a feature that surprised some fans but remains faithful to the comic source. This Supergirl is complex, vulnerable, and dangerous: a combination that promises to revitalize the genre in film.

Initial clues, shown both at press events and in the trailer distributed online, confirm that this incarnation of the character will offer a genuinely different perspective, full of humanity, imperfections, and raw power. A Superman’s cousin who finally has her own story to tell.