Milly Alcock is ‘honoured’ by queer interpretations of Supergirl
Milly Alcock says “Supergirl doesn’t live inside the binary of what we think a woman should be.” (Wagner Meier/Getty)
Supergirl star Milly Alcock says she is “honoured” by queer readings of her character, who “doesn’t live inside the binary” of gender.
The 26-year-old Australian actress is starting her press run as Supergirl; the heroine’s real name is Kara Zor-El.
The DC Studios movie Supergirl follows Kara, the young cousin of Superman, celebrating her 23rd birthday by travelling across the galaxy with her dog Krypto. On her journey, she meets Ruthye (Eve Ridley) and embarks on a murderous quest for revenge.
Alcock was all smiles when Narrativa Feminina asked about her feelings that Supergirl is regarded by fans as a queer icon.
“I have many queer friends. So, honestly, I’m kind of honoured,” Alcock shared. “I’m honoured that that’s happening.”
She also continued: “I think because she doesn’t live inside the binary of what we think a woman should be. That is what makes her so special and so exciting and so new.”
‘She’d do what she’d want to do in that regard anyway’
Then, Alcock added that she also read the character as a queer figure. “I kind of thought that as well,” she said. “I was like… She’d do what she’d want to do in that regard anyway.”
Though there were some in the comments pushing back against Alcock’s sentiment, most were applauding the actor’s answer.
Supergirl has been an important character for women and LGBTQ+ fans. Kara’s story of forging an identity separate from Superman and learning to be her true self is rendered relatable.
Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, Supergirl is adapted from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Subsequently, the film will lean in to portraying Kara as a young, independent woman taking on her own battles.
Early reactions to Supergirl were mixed.
“Supergirl is everything I wanted it to be. Girls can be messy and that rules! Kara isn’t her cousin and I really loved how this movie makes that clear. She’s a different kind of hero and perfect in every way,” one viewer shared.
Another noted: “Unfortunately Supergirl is a mixed bag for me. As a fan of the comic, I was (perhaps) overly excited for the film adaptation. While Jason Momoa’s Lobo & Milly Alcock shine, some adaptation choices and a bland villain keep it from greatness. It’s, simply put, just fine.”
Supergirl is in UK cinemas on 25 June.
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