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Milly Alcock was chosen to play Kara Zor-El in January 2024
(Image credit: James Gunn/Twitter)
- Supergirl's lead actor has revealed how she felt after being cast in the DCU
- Milly Alcock admitted she wasn't sure she was the right choice for the role
- Elsewhere, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has debunked rumors over the film's budget
The lead actor for 2026's Supergirl movie has opened up over the fear she felt about being cast as Kara Zor-El in the DC Universe (DCU).
For the first time, Milly Alcock, who won the race to play Supergirl in January 2024, has revealed why she didn't feel like the right choice for the character.
Speaking to Forbes Australia, Alcock admitted that, while she was overjoyed at being chosen to play the titular Kryptonian in the DCU, it took a while for her to overcome the impostor syndrome that gripped her upon landing the role.
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"I thought, 'what have I done?'" Alcock explained. "I really struggled to believe I could do it. I even called the director [Craig Gillespie] saying 'I don’t know how to be that person. I’m just me'.
"Eventually, I realized the only way through was to trust myself," the House of the Dragon and Sirens alum continued. "I always believe life is right on time. Things happen when they’re supposed to, whether you feel ready or not."
If any DC comic book fans doubted Alcock had the talent to portray the eponymous hero, such uncertainty was banished in 2025's Superman movie. Indeed, at the time, I opined that I only need to see 30 seconds of Superman to have full confidence in Supergirl – and it's all down to by Alcock's scene-stealing cameo in said flick.
If her performance, which DC Studios co-chief James Gunn labeled "absolutely stunning" in September, in Superman is anything to go by, we're in for a real treat when Supergirl flies into theaters next June.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.'Not even a little bit true': why James Gunn recently defended Supergirl
Speaking of Gunn, the DCU's co-overlord has dismissed a report about the superhero film's apparent budget.
In its profile piece on Alcock, Forbes suggested that the movie formerly known as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow cost $200m. However, responding to a fan on Threads about the rumored outlay, Gunn simply said: "[It's] not even a little bit true."
Gunn is no stranger to debunking claims about his and Peter Safran's nascent cinematic franchise. Indeed, he's regularly lifted his head above the parapet to reject reports about various DCU Chapter One projects, so it's not a surprise to see him do so here.
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Even so, the fact that Gunn has denied Supergirl cost $200m is significant.
Without knowing the ins and outs of Hollywood movie-making, the common consensus among fans is that a film usually has to make twice as much money as it cost to be profitable. In short: the smaller the budget, the less money a movie needs to recoup to be deemed a commercial success.
If Supergirl's production outlay was $200m, it would theoretically need to bring in $400m in ticket sales to break even. The fact that its budget is seemingly smaller, then, means it's got a greater chance of not only recovering its expenses, but also being profitable.
Of course, we'll see if one of next year's most exciting new movies is a box office success when Supergirl takes flight on June 26, 2026. But, with rumors swirling that Supergirl's first trailer might be released very soon, the reception it receives upon arrival may give us some indication about whether it will be.
For now, find out everything we know so far about Supergirl and see who'll star opposite Alcock via my Supergirl cast and character guide.
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Tom PowerSocial Links NavigationSenior Entertainment ReporterAs TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
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