Millie Alcock’s Controversial Approach to Supergirl
The public relations strategy of Millie Alcock, the star of Supergirl, seems to involve alienating and provoking the predominantly male superhero fanbase.
This could be described as a case of Totally Rachel Zegler.
Earlier this year, Alcock—who is currently starring in a major HBO series and is set to appear in a high-budget film—made headlines for her perspective on the backlash she anticipates for playing a female superhero.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, the 25-year-old actor acknowledged the criticism she might face for her role in the Warner Bros. film. Alcock, who gained fame as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, stated, “I definitely realized that just existing as a woman in that space was something that people would criticize. We’ve become very comfortable with having this weird ownership over women’s bodies. I can’t really stop them. I can only be myself.”
“I can only be myself.” That feels like a significant element of the issue.
Honestly, it’s tough to feel sorry for a 25-year-old millionaire enjoying immense success. Rather than simply addressing her situation, she appears to be positioning herself as a sort of victim.
Let’s not forget to acknowledge previous iconic female characters, like Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman.
Moreover, Alcock’s claims ignore the long history of female superheroes being embraced in our culture. The narrative that female heroes haven’t been accepted is misleading, especially since the 2010s, when discussions around representation gained traction.
There was no backlash against the original Wonder Woman series 50 years ago, and characters like Ripley from Alien, alongside the likes of Linda Hamilton and Buffy, were celebrated.
Fast forward to today, and Alcock is navigating criticism after her comments from March, where she mocked certain demographics of her critics.
“I think women know that, unfortunately, this is always the case,” Alcock remarked about the feedback she’s received. “It’s often from people without profile pictures or from accounts labeled like ‘Christian, father of four,’ which I find amusing. But truly, whose opinion really matters? If you’re upsetting the right crowd, you’re probably on the right track.”
It’s worth noting that she is still quite young. Fame can skew perceptions, particularly in Hollywood. Young stars often find themselves transformed by public life, facing challenges that can lead to dramatic changes in behavior and image.
Goodwill is what truly elevates a movie star, as we’ve seen with actors like Denzel Washington and Sandra Bullock, who are adored for their relatable personas.
As for Supergirl, if it doesn’t succeed and its lead continues to engage in polarizing behaviors, Hollywood may still label critiques as sexist.
