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Tag: Supergirl film

  • Passing the Cape: Helen Slater Reacts to Milly Alcock’s Supergirl

    Even when cinematic reviews are split, sometimes the praise comes straight from the source. Helen Slater, who was instrumental in bringing Kara Zor-El to life in the iconic 1984 film, is lending her stamp of approval on the new Supergirl iteration—and she clearly has an eye for true talent.

    Reflecting on the latest cinematic installment, Slater offered glowing praise, not just for the movie itself, but for one of its central performers. She singled out Milly Alcock, noting that the actress was “astonishing—fierce, strong and great comic timing!” This endorsement resonates with general critical opinion, as many viewers have highlighted Alcock’s commanding performance as Kara Zor-El.

    This sentiment isn’t unique to Slater’s reaction. Even those offering tough critiques acknowledge the quality of the acting; for example, some critics admitted that even scathing reviews still found the lead actress “likable enough.”

    Slater’s appreciation is naturally rooted in a deep understanding of the franchise’s history. Having been part of the original run, she understands the unique journey of the character and the evolution of the story.

    Looking back at her own tenure playing Supergirl, Slater recalled that she was originally signed to a three-film contract. Unfortunately, these sequels never materialized because the initial 1984 film struggled with its box-office performance.

    “I know it didn’t do well because we didn’t make the second and third film,” she reflected. This history also includes an interesting footnote: the original movie famously missed out on a cameo from Christopher Reeve’s Superman, yet Slater maintains a lifelong bond with the character, recalling a sweet, protective, mentor-like relationship with the legendary hero.

    The current cinematic story is directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, adapting the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The plot centers on a young alien girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll who embarks on a vicious mission seeking revenge after her father is murdered, determined to find Supergirl’s help—or exact revenge herself.

    The cast brings a powerhouse lineup to the screen, featuring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, alongside Eve Ridley as Ruthye. The film also features Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hill, David Krumholtz as Zor-El, Emily Beecham as Alura, and Jason Momoa stepping into the long-awaited role of Lobo.

    Credit: JoBlo

  • Supergirl Writer Completely Misunderstood Tom King’s Comic Ending

    The story behind cinematic choices often involves more than just box office numbers; sometimes it delves into the complex world of comic book lore and creative interpretation. In the case of the upcoming Supergirl film, a high-profile screenwriter admitted that her vision for the narrative diverged significantly from the source material, prompting an interesting discussion about adaptation and character motivation.

    Supergirl writer Ana Nogueira revealed that she misinterpreted Tom King’s comic book ending. She had envisioned a far darker resolution where Ruthye, driven by lingering anger, ultimately killed Krem, leading to what she described as a “quite dark ending” where the villain essentially changes, and Ruthye takes ultimate action.

    However, King offered a different perspective on the narrative’s conclusion. He clarified that in the comics, Krem survives; Ruthye does not forgive him but still harbors intense hatred. The comic’s resolution involves Ruthye hitting Krem with her cane before walking away, solidifying an unresolved emotional conflict rather than a final act of violence.

    This difference in interpretation led to a major creative pivot for the film. Instead of adapting the tragic fate Nogueira had envisioned, the filmmakers chose a path that emphasized Kara’s moral development and agency. In the movie, Kara is instrumental in ensuring Krem’s survival, stabbing him only after convincing Ruthye not to commit murder.

    Nogueira explained that this shift was deliberate: they wanted Kara to possess a unique moral compass that operated independently of Superman’s established ethics. By having Kara bring about justice without burdening the child with lethal vengeance, the narrative aimed to explore new possibilities for character growth within the DC Universe.

    This artistic decision mirrors the direction taken by the film’s director, Craig Gillespie, who had previously insisted that James Gunn remain adamant about filming the original scripted ending. The creative team made a conscious choice to give Kara a moral framework distinct from her larger-than-life counterpart, setting the stage for exciting and complex future stories in the franchise.

    Credit: ComingSoon.net