Original ‘Supergirl’ star Helen Slater praises Milly Alcock after box office disappointment

The actress who first played Kara Zor El said fresh interpretations keep iconic superheroes alive for new generations

Helen Slater has thrown her support behind Milly Alcock following the mixed box office debut of Supergirl, praising the young actress's performance and encouraging audiences to embrace new interpretations of one of DC Comics' most enduring heroes.

Slater, who made her feature film debut as Kara Zor El in the 1984 Supergirl, spoke warmly about Alcock's portrayal after Warner Bros' latest superhero release opened with a domestic box office total that fell below industry expectations. While the opening weekend prompted discussion about the film's commercial performance, Slater made it clear that her focus remained on the quality of Alcock's work.

"I loved the new Supergirl film," Slater said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She described Alcock as "astonishing" and praised her for being "fierce, strong and great comic timing", offering strong public backing from someone who understands the pressures of carrying the famous cape.

The new film is directed by Craig Gillespie and forms part of DC Studios' evolving cinematic strategy. Following the opening weekend, DC Studios co chief executive Peter Safran acknowledged that the domestic debut did not meet expectations, although the studio continues to express confidence in its long term plans for the franchise.

Reflecting on her own experience, Slater recalled the demanding physical preparation required before filming began in the early 1980s. She underwent around four months of intensive training that included trampolining, fencing and horseback riding, eventually gaining around 15 pounds of muscle for the role. She said she had been very slight before winning the part and embraced the challenge of becoming physically prepared to portray the superhero.

Slater also remembered working alongside the late Christopher Reeve, who played Superman during that era. Although an appearance by Reeve in Supergirl was discussed, it never happened. She nevertheless formed a friendship with the actor during production and described him as supportive, kind and protective throughout the experience.

The original Supergirl earned about $14m at the domestic box office following its release in 1984 and plans for additional films never materialised, despite Slater initially signing a three picture contract. Looking back, she said she simply concentrated on continuing her acting career rather than dwelling on the film's commercial performance.

Her career later included roles in The Legend of Billie Jean, City Slickers, Smallville and the television series Supergirl, where she played the adoptive mother of Melissa Benoist's version of Kara Danvers. She also returned briefly to the franchise through a de aged appearance in The Flash in 2023. Addressing speculation surrounding that cameo, Slater explained that she had filmed the sequence herself before visual effects artists digitally altered her appearance to resemble her younger self.

Away from acting, Slater earned a doctorate in mythological studies and depth psychology, a field that has shaped how she views enduring fictional heroes. She believes legendary characters should continue evolving to reflect changing audiences and modern storytelling.