In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, actress Helen Slater has expressed her enthusiastic support for Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Supergirl in James Gunn’s upcoming film. This marks a significant moment for Slater, who was the first actress to embody the character on screen in the 1984 Supergirl movie. She noted that Alcock’s brief but impactful appearance in the film left a lasting impression on her.
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Slater remarked, “It was just so fun,” highlighting her immediate excitement upon witnessing Alcock’s version of Kara Zor-El. She described the experience as refreshing, indicating that she was “fully on board” with this new interpretation of the iconic superhero. At the age of 62, Slater acknowledged the creative direction taken by Gunn and the film’s director, Craig Gillespie, believing they have captured the essence of Supergirl beautifully.
While acknowledging that Alcock’s Kara Zor-El diverges significantly from her own portrayal, Slater believes that the fresh narrative aligns seamlessly with the character’s rich history in comic book lore. The new storyline presents Supergirl as she embarks on an intergalactic journey accompanied by a young girl, played by Eve Ridley, who seeks vengeance for her father’s murder. This quest is deeply personal, as the same assailant, portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts, is responsible for injuring Supergirl’s canine companion, Krypto.
Slater, who holds a PhD in mythology, shared her thoughts on how the themes in the new film resonate with traditional heroic narratives. She explained, “That fits very much into myth, into the hero’s journey or the heroine’s journey. How do we navigate these giant emotions or these fractures in our past? How do we do that?” These reflections underscore the significance of trauma in the character’s arc following the destruction of Krypton.
The original 1984 Supergirl film is noteworthy as one of the first high-budget productions centred around a female superhero. Despite its lacklustre box office performance compared to the contemporaneous Superman films, it has since been appreciated as a cult classic. The film featured notable talents such as Faye Dunaway and Peter O’Toole, contributing to its recognition in cinematic history.
In her conversation with PEOPLE, Slater mused on the evolving portrayal of female superheroes in contrast to their male counterparts. “I think it’s interesting to reflect on how do we get the story right? Like, a female superhero versus a male superhero,” she stated. She expressed hope that the forthcoming release of the new Supergirl film, set for June 26, would be a triumph, driving home her anticipation that the filmmakers will deliver a compelling narrative.
Beyond her support for Alcock’s portrayal, Slater is still actively engaged in the acting profession, recently featuring in ABC’s The Rookie as a professor of religious studies. However, she is equally excited about pursuing a new path as a mythologist, collaborating with writers, directors, and actors to enhance the storytelling process. “Nothing is ever really brand new,” she noted, reflecting her belief that all narratives are interconnected.
In addition to her continued work in entertainment, Slater has expressed enjoyment in her current role, which allows her to delve into the rich tapestry of mythology that informs modern storytelling. She highlights her passion for research, whether interacting in person or through platforms like Zoom, as part of her contributions to the creative industry.
As anticipation builds for the release of the new Supergirl movie, fans can also revisit Slater’s original performance in the 1984 film, which is now available for streaming on HBO Max. With both versions of Supergirl offering unique takes on the character, it will be intriguing to see how Slater’s legacy influences the ongoing evolution of female superheroes in cinema.