Australian actor Milly Alcock cast as Supergirl in James Gunn’s DC Universe

Australia’s Milly Alcock, the star of Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, has landed the plum Hollywood role of Supergirl.

Alcock will portray the comic book hero in the upcoming movie Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. But the casting is likely to be a multi-project commitment in filmmaker James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe.

Deadline reported the news, which was confirmed by Gunn on Instagram. He wrote, “Milly is a fantastically talented young actor, and I’m incredibly excited about her being part of the DCU.

“Yes, I first became aware of her in House of the Dragon but I was blown away by her varied auditions and screen tests for Supergirl. She embodies Kara as envisioned by [Tom King, Bilquis Evely] and Ana Nogueira.”

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will be adapted from King’s run of comic books. It does not yet have a director attached.

There is speculation Supergirl may also appear in Superman Legacy, which is due to start filming soon with David Corenswet in the title role.

Reports earlier this month had Alcock on a shortlist for the role alongside Emilia Jones (CODA) and Meg Donnelly (The Winchesters).

Camera IconMilly Alcock has been cast as Supergirl in the upcoming superhero movie. Credit: Supplied by Foxtel/TheWest

Alcock, 23, is internationally best known for playing the younger version of Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, a role she originated for five episodes in its first season before handing it off to Emma D’Arcy after a time jump in the narrative.

Before her big break on the global stage, Alcock was nominated for an AACTA Award for her performance in the Tim Minchin comedy Upright. She has also appeared in local productions The Gloaming, Pine Gap, Fighting Season and Janet King.

Alcock is the third actor to play Supergirl in recent years. Melissa Benoist portrayed the superhero in 126 episodes of the Supergirl TV series while Sasha Calle donned the costume for 2023 The Flash movie.

Camera IconIn Australia, Alcock is known for her role on Tim Minchin’s Upright. Credit: Scott Belzner – Frontline Photog/Scott Belzner – Frontline Photog

The DC screen universe has undergone a significant revamp under the aegis of Gunn and his producing partner Peter Safran. The pair was charged by Warner Bros to restart an often-jumbled cinematic universe which had previously taken in Zack Snyder films such as Man of Steel and Justice League.

Gunn revealed in February a slate of movies and TV projects for the next decade, kicking off with Superman: Legacy, which he called “the true beginning of the DCU”. Joining Corenswet as Superman will be Nicholas Hoult, who has been cast as Lex Luther.

The previous onscreen DC regime and its stars has largely been retired. The last instalment, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, was released in December.

There are rumours that Aquaman star Jason Momoa may transition into the DCU, but as another character. And Blue Beetle star Xolo Mariduena is expected to carry the role into the DCU.

Todd Phillips’ Joker and Matt Reeves’ Batman movies are considered outside of Gunn’s screen universe.