5 things to know about Milly Alcock, the new face of "Supergirl"

With the new DCU’s “Supergirl” arriving in cinemas this month, all eyes are on Milly Alcock, the Australian actress stepping into the role of Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El. While many viewers first discovered her through “House of the Dragon,” Alcock’s rise has been swift. From humble beginnings in Sydney to becoming one of the key faces of DC’s new era, here are five things to know about the rising star

She dropped out of high school to pursue acting

Photo: Instagram @millyalcock

Before becoming one of Hollywood’s rising stars, Milly Alcock made a bold decision by leaving Newtown High School of the Performing Arts at just 18 years old. The move came after she was cast in the Australian comedy-drama Upright, a role that demanded her full attention and soon put her on the industry’s radar. Looking back, the risk paid off, setting her on a path from Australian television to one of DC’s most anticipated superhero films.

Her road to Hollywood was surprisingly humble

Photo: Instagram @millyalcock

Even after landing her breakthrough role in Upright, Alcock was far from living the glamorous life many might expect. While building a promising career on Australian television, she was still living in her family’s attic and working as a dishwasher in Sydney to make ends meet. In fact, she was cooking dinner at a friend’s house when she received the call confirming her role in House of the Dragon – the opportunity that would soon transform her into an international star.

House of the Dragon made her a global star

Photo: HBO

Alcock’s life changed almost overnight when she was cast as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, HBO’s hugely successful prequel to Game of Thrones. As the younger version of the ambitious princess and heir to the Iron Throne, she portrayed Rhaenyra’s transformation from a headstrong royal into a central figure in a brewing civil war. The character is also a distant ancestor of Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke. Her performance quickly won over audiences and established her as one of the franchise’s breakout stars.

She is the first female hero to lead a film in the new DCU

Photo: Warner Bros.

Alcock’s casting as Kara Zor-El is significant for more than just the role itself. Following Superman (2025), Supergirl becomes only the second film in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe, making Alcock the first actress to headline a feature film in the franchise’s new era. By prioritising Supergirl ahead of other major heroes, DC Studios has signalled that Kara could become one of the most important figures shaping the future of the DCU.

Her Supergirl is unlike any version we’ve seen on screen before

Photo: Warner Bros.

Fans accustomed to the bright and optimistic portrayals of Supergirl, particularly Melissa Benoist’s beloved CW version, may be surprised by Alcock’s interpretation. Inspired by the acclaimed comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, this Kara Zor-El is tougher, more rebellious and emotionally scarred. Often described as a punk rock-inspired take on the character, she carries the trauma of witnessing Krypton’s destruction firsthand, resulting in a more complex hero with a darker and more grounded perspective than previous on-screen versions.

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