Man of Tomorrow: Milly Alcock Returns as Supergirl for the Superman Sequel
This cast is quite impressive!
Strong support for Clark Kent! In an interview with the industry magazine Variety, Supergirl actress Milly Alcock revealed that she will be returning for the highly anticipated sequel "Superman: Man of Tomorrow."
However, it is not yet known how extensive her role will actually be. Alcock made her first appearance in the new DC canon as Kara Zor-El at the end of "Superman." She will also star in her own solo adventure on June 26, 2026.
In "Man of Tomorrow", David Corenswet reprises the role of Superman, while Nicholas Hoult plays his archenemy Lex Luthor. But this time, the two face an extraordinary challenge: Faced with the immense threat posed by Brainiac, they are forced to work together. German actor Lars Eidinger has been cast in the role of the DC villain.
In addition to the lead actors, numerous other familiar faces are back in the mix. Among others, Rachel Brosnahan returns as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Nathan Fillion in the role of Guy Gardner. Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and "Andor" star Adria Arjona will also appear. "Man of Tomorrow" hits theaters on July 9, 2027.
Supergirl in Live-Action Films and Series: All Live-Action Appearances of the Famous DC Heroine
Since her introduction in the comics, Supergirl has been one of the most famous heroines in the DC Universe. Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, combines the same Kryptonian powers with a personality that is often significantly more emotional and rebellious. Over the decades, she has appeared in numerous live-action films and series – sometimes as the main character, sometimes in guest roles, or as alternative versions of the character. Especially in recent years, Supergirl has become an integral part of modern DC productions.
The first major cinematic appearance: Supergirl (1984)
Supergirl's first major live-action appearance came in 1984 in the film "Supergirl". Helen Slater took on the lead role, becoming the first actress to bring Kara Zor-El to the big screen. The film was a spin-off of the successful Superman series starring Christopher Reeve. In the plot, Kara leaves the isolated community of Argo City after a powerful energy source is lost and reaches Earth. There, she must stand her ground against the witch Selena, played by Faye Dunaway.
Although the film disappointed critics and underperformed at the box office, it has developed cult status over the years. Helen Slater's portrayal, in particular, is still cherished by many fans today. In retrospect, the film is considered an important first step for female superheroes in cinema – ong before modern comic book adaptations dominated the genre.
Supergirl in the Smallville Universe
A new generation was introduced to Supergirl through the hit series "Smallville", which ran from 2001 to 2011 and chronicled the teenage years of Clark Kent. Kara was introduced in the seventh season and played by Laura Vandervoort. This version of the character was portrayed as a self-assured, powerful Kryptonian who initially struggled to adapt to life on Earth. Her relationship with Clark Kent quickly became a central part of the series.
"Smallville" significantly modernized the character and made Supergirl relevant again for many younger viewers. Laura Vandervoort's portrayal is still considered one of the most popular live-action versions of Kara Zor-El.
Her Own Series: Supergirl (2015–2021)
The heroine celebrated her greatest success to date with the series "Supergirl", which premiered in 2015. Melissa Benoist portrayed Kara Danvers over six seasons, cementing the character as a central heroine of modern DC television. The series initially portrayed Kara as a young woman trying to balance her normal life with her superpowers. As the plot unfolded, however, she evolved into a seasoned heroine and protector of National City.
The series was particularly praised for its optimistic tone and the emotional portrayal of the main character. At the same time, it addressed themes such as identity, responsibility, equality, and social exclusion. In addition, "Supergirl" introduced numerous well-known DC characters, including Martian Manhunter, Mon-El, Brainiac 5, and Lex Luthor. Superman himself also made several appearances, played by Tyler Hoechlin.
The Major Arrowverse Crossovers
Melissa Benoist's Supergirl wasn't limited to her own series. She became a central part of the so-called Arrowverse – a shared series universe from DC. Particularly important were the major crossover events such as "Crisis on Earth-X", "Elseworlds", and above all, "Crisis on Infinite Earths". There, Supergirl teamed up with heroes like the Flash, Green Arrow, and Batwoman.
These events cemented Kara's status as one of the most important characters in the TV DC Universe. "Crisis on Infinite Earths" is considered a milestone in particular, as it brought together numerous earlier DC versions and series.
Sasha Calle as Supergirl in The Flash (2023)
In 2023, the character received a new cinematic interpretation in the film "The Flash". There, Sasha Calle played an alternate version of Supergirl within the DC Multiverse. Unlike earlier portrayals, this Kara was significantly more serious and traumatized. She was held captive and isolated by the government before Barry Allen and Batman could free her.
Sasha Calle's performance was widely praised despite the film's mixed reception. Many viewers appreciated the emotional intensity and combative spirit of her version of the character. Even though it remained unclear whether this interpretation would be a long-term part of the DC Universe, it left a lasting impression on fans.
The New DC Universe and Milly Alcock
With the reboot of the DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran, a new era is now beginning for Supergirl as well. Australian actress Milly Alcock will take on the role of Kara Zor-El in the future. She already made her first brief appearance in "Superman", where her relationship with Clark Kent was hinted at. Unlike earlier versions, this interpretation of Supergirl comes across as significantly more impulsive, unpredictable, and emotionally complex.
The upcoming film "Supergirl" is set to further expand her story and establish her as one of the most important characters in the new DC Universe. In the process, she encounters, among others, the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo. DC Studios is clearly banking on a more modern and character-driven version of the heroine, one that is meant to stand out distinctly from Superman.
A Heroine with Many Faces
Hardly any other DC character has been interpreted as diversely over the years as Supergirl. From the classic heroine of the 1980s to the modern TV version and the dark cinematic interpretations, each portrayal reveals a new facet of the character. It is precisely this versatility that makes Kara Zor-El so compelling to this day. While Superman is often portrayed as the perfect hero, Supergirl is allowed to make mistakes, act on her emotions, and find her own path. With the new DC Universe, her most significant era may even still be ahead of her.
