Milly Alcock, the 25-year-old Australian actress set to play Kara Zor-El in Warner Bros.’ upcoming ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,’ has spoken about the pressure that comes with joining a major franchise. In a recent interview, she said she is prepared for the level of attention and criticism that often comes with such roles.
Alcock explained that her breakout role as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon,’ the prequel to ‘Game of Thrones,’ helped her build the strength to handle online reactions. The experience taught her to deal with both praise and backlash, something she expects to face again when she debuts in the DC Universe, with the film set to release in June.
How ‘House of the Dragon’ Prepared Milly Alcock for Global Fame
Alcock rose to global fame in 2022 with her roles as the ambitious, dragon-riding heir in the first season of ‘House of the Dragon.’ The show placed her right in the middle of the passionate and often harsh world of ‘Game of Thrones‘ fans, where opinions about characters, casting, and storylines can often turn into heated online debates.
Related: Is Supergirl Actually Stronger Than Superman? DC’s Biggest Kryptonian Debate Explained
After the first season aired in 2022, people started judging Alcock’s looks. Social media was filled with comments about her face, expressions, and her overall appearance. Some even compared her features to early concept art and questioned if she looked “regal enough” to play a future queen.
When Emma D’Arcy took over the role as an older Rhaenyra in season two, the comparisons grew stronger. Fans posted side-by-side edits, praising D’Arcy’s look and presence, while calling Alcock’s features “too modern” or saying she did not look “Targaryen enough.”
Milly Alcock Calls Out Toxic Culture Around Women in Fandoms
Now, four years later, while speaking to Vanity Fair, Alcock said the experience made her notice a larger issue. “It definitely made me aware that simply existing as a woman in that space is something that people comment on. We have become very comfortable having this weird ownership of women’s bodies. I can’t really stop them. I can only be myself,” she said.
In case you missed it: James Gunn’s DCU Could Turn To An Unexpected Hero For Its Next Big Adaptation After ‘Supergirl’
Her comments reflect the kind of pressure many actresses face online, especially when they take on high-profile roles in major franchises.
Why Milly Alcock “Bullied” Herself into the ‘Supergirl’ Role
Alcock, who appeared in only a few episodes before her character grew older, said the sudden fame was overwhelming. At just 22, she even worried that her career might have already peaked. “I was so s— scared that my life was over at 22,” she recalled. “And, of course, it wasn’t.”
Instead of stepping back, Alcock pushed herself to go after the bigger roles. She said she “kind of bullied” herself into going for the part of ‘Supergirl,’ after being drawn to the character’s grace and honesty.
And it was those same qualities that caught the attention of DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who noticed her performance in ‘House of the Dragon‘ and has since praised her casting as one of his best decisions.
You might also like to read: DC’s ‘Supergirl’ Movie Rewrites Her Beginning In A Way That Finally Feels Personal
