Helen Slater, who starred in the 1984 Supergirl film, has publicly endorsed Milly Alcock’s performance in the latest Warner Bros. adaptation. Despite the film launching to a domestic opening of $37 million—a figure DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran acknowledged did not meet expectations—Slater praised Alcock’s portrayal as “fierce, strong” and noted her “great comic timing” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Why Mythological Reinterpretation Matters for Superhero Franchises
Slater, who holds a doctorate in mythological studies and depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, argues that the constant evolution of comic book characters is a cultural necessity. According to Slater, these myths should change to remain relevant to contemporary audiences. She suggests that reinterpretations keep characters “alive” and “developing,” mirroring the shifting values of the culture at large.
Helen Slater’s academic background in mythology informed her perspective on the industry, a topic she notably discussed with Ezra Miller while filming her cameo for the 2023 movie The Flash.
How Training and Expectations Have Evolved Since 1984
When Slater was cast at age 18, she underwent a four-month training regimen that included fencing, horseback riding, and intensive trampolining to perform aerial stunts. Slater recalled being “very scrawny” initially, eventually gaining 15 pounds of muscle for the role.
The 1984 film, which featured a high-profile cast including Faye Dunaway, Mia Farrow, and Peter O’Toole, faced significant commercial challenges. Tri-Star released the film to a $14 million domestic run, which halted plans for a three-film deal. In contrast, the current DC Studios project is navigating a modern landscape where opening weekend box office figures serve as the primary metric for franchise viability, as noted by Peter Safran.
What Is the Legacy of the Original Supergirl?
While the 1984 feature did not spawn the planned sequels, Slater maintains that the experience was positive, largely due to her interactions with Christopher Reeve. Although a discussed Reeve cameo in the 1984 film never materialized, Slater became close with the actor during production. She described him as a “protective” and “mentor-y” figure who was “the loveliest person on the planet.”
Slater has remained a consistent part of the Superman franchise ecosystem throughout her career. Her credits include:
- Playing Clark Kent’s mother on the television series Smallville.
- Portraying the adoptive mother of Melissa Benoist’s character on the series Supergirl.
- Returning for a de-aged cameo in 2023’s The Flash.
Slater’s appearance in The Flash, which she clarified involved filming in a “wild machine with 600 eyes” rather than relying solely on CGI, demonstrates the industry’s focus on bridging classic iterations with modern technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Helen Slater use CGI for her cameo in The Flash?
No. According to Slater, she physically filmed the part in London, though she noted the production used de-aging technology.
What was the box office performance of the 1984 Supergirl?
The original film earned $14 million domestically during its theatrical run, which effectively ended the studio’s plans for a planned three-film series.
How does Helen Slater view the future of superhero movies?
Slater advocates for filmmakers to continue taking risks, suggesting that constant evolution and reinterpretation are essential to keeping myths alive in modern culture.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of the Supergirl character across different generations? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on DC Studios and industry trends.
