Original Supergirl Star Helen Slater Backs Milly Alcock: “She Was Fierce, Strong and Had Great Comic Timing”

As a new generation embraces Supergirl, one of the character’s original big-screen stars has praised the actress now wearing the iconic cape.

Helen Slater, who portrayed Kara Zor-El in the 1984 Supergirl film, praised Milly Alcock’s performance in DC Studios’ latest superhero reboot. Although the film hasn’t dominated the box office, Slater described Alcock as “fierce,” “strong,” and praised her “great comic timing.”

In a recent interview, Slater said she loved the new take on Supergirl and praised Alcock’s performance from beginning to end.

According to Slater, Alcock brought strength, confidence, and humor to the role while grounding the character with emotional authenticity. She added that every generation deserves its own version of beloved superheroes, arguing that iconic characters remain relevant because they evolve alongside audiences and modern storytelling.

Instead of comparing performances, Slater welcomed fresh interpretations of the character.

She said timeless heroes endure because each generation reimagines them through a contemporary lens. In her view, mythology and comic book characters stay relevant because new storytellers continue to reinvent them.

Slater also said she prefers actors to bring their own personalities to iconic roles rather than imitate previous performances.

Although critics and audiences gave her 1984 Supergirl film a mixed reception, Slater has maintained strong ties with the DC universe.

After starring as the Girl of Steel, she portrayed Lara-El in Smallville, played Eliza Danvers in The CW’s Supergirl series, voiced Martha Kent in several animated DC projects, and made a CGI-assisted cameo in The Flash (2023). Those appearances have made her one of the franchise’s most enduring figures.

Reflecting on her original Supergirl experience, Slater also recalled working alongside legendary actors Faye Dunaway and Peter O’Toole.

She credited her veteran co-stars with teaching her valuable filmmaking lessons early in her career, including how to perform for the camera and deliver subtle, nuanced performances. She said those experiences continue to shape her approach to acting.

Now that Milly Alcock leads the next chapter of Supergirl, Slater believes the character’s future is in capable hands.

Her endorsement symbolizes a passing of the torch, celebrating the continued evolution of one of DC Comics’ most iconic heroines while recognizing that every generation brings a fresh perspective to the legendary Kryptonian.