A new behind-the-scenes detail has added another reason for fans to be emotional about the future of the DC Universe franchise, as the excitement continues to grow around the upcoming ‘Supergirl‘ film.
The fans are hoping for Milly Alcock to portray Kara Zor-El, but it seems her outfit has a deeper connection to one of Superman’s most iconic film legacies. The news on the surface is insignificant, but for longtime DC fans, it’s enormous.
‘Supergirl’ Pays A Hidden Tribute To Christopher Reeve
In a recent podcast interview, Alcock said that her Supergirl cape is made from the original cloth from which Christopher Reeve’s Superman costume was created. According to the actress, leftover material from the classic Superman films was incorporated into the design of her cape, meaning a physical piece of superhero movie history is now part of the new DCU.
Related: Milly Alcock Opens Up About The Emotional Difference Between’ Supergirl And ‘Superman’
“My cape in this film was remade using materials from the original Superman cape… I think they found 16 meters of that material,” she shared. This is something that might not be huge for casual viewers, but it is an indication of the attention being given to the franchise.
Reeve’s portrayal of Superman is iconic and a standard that many fans still associate with the character decades later. His rendition of the Man of Steel helped shape the genre of superhero film long before comic book films became the most popular genre in Hollywood.
Since a piece of that legacy that now travels with ‘Supergirl’, Alcock’s debut has a bit of an unexpected and touching layer to it.
The New DCU Isn’t Forgetting Its Roots
The one thing that always makes people wonder about any reboot is whether it will get rid of everything it has come from. Under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios has been adamant that the new DC Universe is about creating something new, while maintaining respect for the characters’ long history.
In case you missed it: New ‘Supergirl’ Footage Teases The Next Major Chapter In DC’s Kryptonian Story
This costume piece seems to be a prime example of that. The move doesn’t just place the previous eras of Superman in a series of chapters, but is a symbolic connection between generations of heroes. Kara Zor-El is a small piece of Christopher Reeve’s Superman legacy, which inspired countless fans, actors, and filmmakers.
That’s a really sweet thought. Legacy, hope, and passing the torch to the next generation are common themes in superhero tales. In some sense, Alcock’s cape represents all three. By weaving a piece of Superman’s cinematic past into the fabric of its future, the DCU is sending a clear message: this new chapter may be looking forward, but it hasn’t forgotten where it came from.
You might like to read: Why ‘Supergirl’ Has Less Pressure Than ‘Superman’ At The Box Office
