Milly Alcock’s Supergirl Steals the Show with a Hilarious, Heartfelt Cameo in Superman (2025)
Milly Alcock’s Supergirl made a lightning-fast yet unforgettable debut in James Gunn’s Superman (2025). It was a masterstroke by Gunn — delivering a genuine surprise to audiences while brilliantly teasing one of DC’s most powerful and long-awaited female heroes, who will take center stage in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in 2026.
2025 marks a pivotal moment in the rebirth of the DC Cinematic Universe, as James Gunn brings Superman back to the big screen with David Corenswet in the iconic cape. But almost equally exciting was the unexpected and instantly memorable appearance of a character who has often been overlooked in the past: Supergirl — Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin.
In one of the film’s final scenes set in the Fortress of Solitude, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl shows up in the most delightfully chaotic way — slightly drunk, popping in just to pick up Krypto the super-dog.
Despite being on screen for only a few seconds, the cameo had audiences laughing out loud and feeling a surprising rush of emotion as the two last children of Krypton finally shared the screen together for the first time in live-action history. With no heavy exposition needed, Gunn delivered a perfectly subtle yet electrifying introduction to Supergirl for a new generation, while smoothly setting the stage for her solo film, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, scheduled for 2026.
A Very Different Supergirl — A Darker, More Independent Journey
As James Gunn has revealed, in the new DC Universe he’s co-building with Peter Safran, Supergirl will no longer be a mere shadow or sidekick to Superman — a fate she’s unfortunately suffered in previous film and TV incarnations. Adapted from the acclaimed comic series of the same name, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow promises a raw, wounded, and fiercely independent Kara.
Unlike Kal-El (Superman), who was raised with love and kindness by the Kents in Smallville, Kara Zor-El’s path was far more brutal. She lived long enough to witness Krypton’s destruction firsthand, grew up surrounded by loss and rage, and arrived on Earth with nothing left to lose. Gunn has emphasized this core difference: “Clark got to become an Earthling. Kara never really did.”
This foundational contrast opens the door to deep psychological exploration and gives audiences a female superhero who isn’t just physically powerful but emotionally complex — something still rare in the genre.
Milly Alcock: A Surprising but Perfect Choice
At first glance, casting Milly Alcock as Supergirl raised some eyebrows. Yet when you look at her track record, the choice feels inspired.
Milly exploded onto the global stage as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, winning over millions in just half a season. Her sharp, wild, yet deeply layered performance instantly established her as one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising talents.
That’s exactly why James Gunn — the architect rebuilding the entire DCU — saw her as the ideal fit for a tougher, more introspective, and distinctly different Supergirl. Even in her brief appearance in Superman, Alcock’s Kara already stands in stark, fascinating contrast to Corenswet’s earnest Clark, delivering sibling chemistry that crackles with potential for future stories.
A Bright, Bold Future for Supergirl in the DCU
Following the triumphant launch of Superman (2025), the DC Universe is entering a bold new era — one where characters are being reimagined with greater depth, daring, and authenticity. Milly Alcock’s Supergirl isn’t just an extension of the Superman franchise; she’s proof that DC is finally moving beyond old formulas to create richer, more realistic female heroes.
Casting Milly Alcock was a risk, but one brimming with promise. She has the potential to deliver a Supergirl who is raw, broken, rebellious — and ultimately relatable in a way few comic-book heroines have been. If Wonder Woman represented the idealized female superhero, Alcock’s Supergirl may become the flawed, searching, fiercely real version that resonates deeply with younger audiences today.
That very difference makes her empathetic and positions her to stand on her own — no longer just “Superman’s cousin,” but a powerful icon in her own right. If handled well, this Supergirl could be one of the biggest and most refreshing surprises in the new DC Universe, and a crucial piece in shaping its future.