Supergirl, the iconic DC Comics heroine and cousin of Superman, has soared through the skies of live-action adaptations since 1984. Over the decades, different actresses have brought Kara Zor-El to life, each leaving a unique mark on the character’s legacy. Let’s take a journey through time to explore the live-action Supergirls of 1984, 2015, 2023, and the upcoming 2026 film! 🚀
1984: Helen Slater’s Trailblazing Supergirl 🎬
The first live-action Supergirl took flight in 1984 with Helen Slater in the titular role. In the film Supergirl, a spin-off from the 1978 Superman movie, Slater played Kara Zor-El, who comes to Earth to retrieve the Omegahedron—a powerful orb—only to face off against a wicked witch, Selena, portrayed by Faye Dunaway 🧙♀️. Despite its good-hearted spirit and a stellar score by Jerry Goldsmith 🎶, the movie struggled with a weak script and uneven special effects, leading to poor box office performance. Critics were harsh, with Peter O’Toole and Dunaway even earning Golden Raspberry nominations for their performances 😬. However, Slater’s optimistic and determined portrayal of Supergirl earned her a lasting place in superhero history, making her an ageless icon for fans. The lack of sequels gave the film a cultish charm, preserving Slater’s legacy as the first big-screen Supergirl 🌟.
2015: Melissa Benoist Redefines Supergirl for a New Generation 🦸♀️
Fast forward to 2015, when Melissa Benoist donned the cape in the TV series Supergirl, which aired on CBS before moving to The CW, running until 2021 📺. Benoist’s Kara Danvers, a.k.a. Supergirl, became a beloved figure in the Arrowverse, a shared universe of DC shows. The series followed Kara as she protected National City while balancing her personal and professional life as a young woman. Benoist’s earnest and heartfelt performance won over a new generation of fans, earning the show a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season 🌟. With 126 episodes across six seasons, Supergirl blended superhero action with emotional depth, making Kara a symbol of hope and resilience. Fun fact: Benoist was the first of a thousand actors to audition for the role, beating out names like Claire Holt and Gemma Atkinson 🎭. Her portrayal remains the most iconic live-action Supergirl to date!
2023: Sasha Calle’s Tragic Supergirl in The Flash ⚡
In 2023, Sasha Calle became the first Latina actress to portray Supergirl in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film The Flash 🎥. Calle played a darker version of Kara Zor-El in the Flashpoint timeline, where she arrives on Earth to protect her cousin Kal-El but ends up a prisoner in Siberia, subjected to experimentation. Rescued by Barry Allen (The Flash), Kara gains her powers under yellow sunlight and joins forces with Barry and Batman to battle General Zod 🪖. Tragically, Zod reveals that the Kryptonian Codex is in her DNA, and despite Barry’s attempts to save her by altering the timeline, Supergirl is killed by Zod—a heartbreaking end that shocked fans 😢. Calle’s brief but powerful performance left a mark, though her role was cut short due to the DCEU’s reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership at DC Studios.
2026: Milly Alcock’s Hardcore Supergirl in Woman of Tomorrow 🌌
Looking ahead to 2026, Milly Alcock is set to take on the role of Supergirl in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, directed by Craig Gillespie and scheduled for release on June 26, 2026 🎉. This film, part of James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe (DCU), draws inspiration from Tom King’s 2021-2022 comic miniseries. Alcock’s Kara Zor-El is described as a “hardcore” version, having survived 14 years on a fragment of Krypton, witnessing death and destruction before arriving on Earth—a stark contrast to her cousin Superman’s upbringing 🪐. The cast includes Matthias Schoenaerts as the villain Krem of the Yellow Hills, Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll, and Jason Momoa as Lobo 🏍️. Filming began in January 2025 in the UK, with Gunn praising the script by Ana Nogueira as “above and beyond” expectations 📜. Fans are buzzing with excitement for this epic sci-fi take on Supergirl, which promises to redefine the heroine for a new era! ✨
A Legacy That Soars Higher Each Time 🦸♀️
From Helen Slater’s pioneering role in 1984 to Milly Alcock’s upcoming portrayal in 2026, Supergirl’s live-action journey reflects the character’s enduring appeal. Each actress has brought something special to Kara Zor-El, whether it’s Slater’s optimism, Benoist’s heart, Calle’s intensity, or Alcock’s anticipated grit. As Supergirl continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: her story of strength, hope, and heroism will always inspire fans across generations 🌍. Which Supergirl is your favorite? Let us know! 💬
