5 Actresses Who Have Played Supergirl in Shows and Movies

**Milly Alcock Steps into the Role of Supergirl in Upcoming 2026 Film**

Milly Alcock is set to take on the iconic role of Supergirl in a new film directed by Craig Gillespie, slated for release in June 2026. Following a cameo appearance in the much-anticipated 2025 film “Superman,” Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El promises to bring a fresh perspective to the character, who has been a significant part of the DC Comics universe for over six decades.

Supergirl first made her comic book debut in 1959, but it wasn’t until 1984 that she graced the silver screen in a live-action feature. The original film, featuring actress Helen Slater, faced considerable criticism and did not launch a cinematic franchise akin to Christopher Reeve’s Superman. However, the character has enjoyed notable success on television, particularly in the series “Smallville,” which aired for six seasons and introduced Supergirl to a new generation.

Helen Slater’s initial portrayal as Supergirl established a legacy for the character, as she faced the formidable sorceress Selena, played by Faye Dunaway. Although the 1984 film was not a box-office hit, Slater has long expressed gratitude for her time in the role, describing it as a “phenomenal experience.” In a recent interview, she expressed her enthusiasm for Alcock’s modern take on the character, reaffirming her support for the new film.

Following Slater, Laura Vandervoort took on the role of Supergirl in “Smallville” from 2007 to 2011. Vandervoort’s performance as the young superheroine exploring her identity alongside Clark Kent was well received, and she described her time on the show as a “blur.” Reflecting on her youthful days on set, she suggested she would appreciate the experience more had she been older and less nervous during the production. Vandervoort eventually returned to the DC universe, portraying a villain in the subsequent “Supergirl” series.

Melissa Benoist assumed the role in the titular series “Supergirl,” which ran from 2015 to 2021, becoming the character’s longest-tenured actor to date. In her emotional farewell post upon the series’ conclusion, Benoist acknowledged the profound impact her portrayal of Supergirl had on audiences, particularly young girls. Through her performance, she highlighted themes of strength, hope, and unity, expressing her gratitude for the experience and the character’s influence on her life.

In 2023, Sasha Calle made history by becoming the first Latina actress to play Supergirl in “The Flash.” While her character met a tragic end, Calle’s enthusiasm for the role shone through as she expressed a desire to continue portraying the superhero. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasised the importance of representation for Latino communities and voiced aspirations for a more extensive story arc for her character.

Now, with Milly Alcock set to debut as Supergirl in the upcoming film, anticipation is building for what promises to be a distinct reimagining of Kara Zor-El. Alcock first captured audiences’ attention with her powerful performance in the acclaimed series “House of the Dragon.” She has expressed her excitement for this new venture, labelling it a dream come true to be part of the DC universe. Her casting was met with enthusiasm when announced in January 2024, and following the release of the teaser in December 2025, she excitedly shared her expectation for the film, highlighting the efforts of the production team.

Alcock remarked on social media how thrilled she was to join the DC family, thanking co-CEO James Gunn for trusting her with the role. The teaser trailer indicated a more relatable and human side of Supergirl, portraying her as flawed and vulnerable, a striking contrast to the traditional superhero image.

As the release date approaches, fans of DC Comics and newcomers alike await Alcock’s interpretation of a character that has evolved through various iterations over the years. The legacy of Supergirl continues to inspire, and Alcock appears poised to add her own chapter to this storied journey in a modern context that resonates with today’s audiences.