In a show of support for the new Supergirl film, original star Helen Slater praised actress Milly Alcock following its disappointing $37 million opening weekend at the box office. Slater, who portrayed Supergirl in the 1984 film, expressed her admiration for Alcock's performance during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Helen Slater Reflects on Milly Alcock's Performance
Slater, who was just 18 when she starred as Kara Zor-El, described Alcock as "astonishing — fierce, strong and great comic timing!" Her endorsement comes as the film struggles to meet expectations set by DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, who acknowledged the film's opening was below their targets.
Despite the film's lackluster performance, Slater remains optimistic about Alcock's portrayal. She noted that the rigorous training she underwent for her role in the 1980s helped her prepare for the physical demands of being a superhero. "I was very scrawny when I got the part," Slater recalled, highlighting her journey of gaining muscle and mastering stunts.
Box Office Performance and Industry Insights
The new Supergirl film launched over the weekend, but the $37 million domestic gross has raised concerns. Safran's admission of unmet expectations reflects the competitive landscape for superhero films. The original Supergirl film, released in November 1984, earned only $14 million during its theatrical run.
Slater's experience with the original film provides insight into the pressures of portraying iconic characters. Although she signed a deal for three films, the lack of success for the first led to no sequels. "I know it didn’t do well because we didn’t make the second and third film," she stated, emphasizing her focus on other projects instead.
Legacy of Supergirl and Future Directions
As a veteran of the superhero genre, Slater has a unique perspective on the evolution of characters like Supergirl. Her academic pursuits in mythological studies further inform her views on the need for reinterpretation of classic characters. "My understanding is that these myths should be changing," she said, advocating for creative risks in filmmaking.
Slater's recent appearance in The Flash has also sparked discussions about the use of CGI in modern cinema. She clarified that her role was not computer-generated but involved significant filming. "I was in this very wild machine with 600 eyes around it," she explained, highlighting the technical advancements in filmmaking.
- Box Office Opening: $37 million
- Original Supergirl (1984) Earnings: $14 million
- Helen Slater's Age During Original Film: 18
- Milly Alcock's Performance: Described as fierce and strong
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hollywood Reporter. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
