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Milly Alcock isn’t an overnight sensation—her path to starring as Supergirl in DC’s 2026 blockbuster traces back to Sydney side gigs, dishwasher shifts, and dropping out of performing arts school for her breakout role.
From young Rhaenyra Targaryen stealing scenes in House of the Dragon to earning the Rising Star Award this month, this deep dive explores how grit, bold choices, and quiet determination turned an Aussie newcomer into Hollywood’s fastest-rising force.
What followed was a deliberate pivot: West End theater (The Crucible), Netflix dark comedy (Sirens opposite Julianne Moore), and now, the cape. In January 2024, James Gunn personally cast Alcock as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl in the rebooted DC Universe, after spotting her in House of the Dragon. She debuted in a cameo in Superman (2025) before headlining Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (dir. Craig Gillespie), set for release on June 26, 2026—a darker, more flawed take on the hero inspired by Tom King’s comics.
As 2026 unfolds, Alcock’s momentum is undeniable. She presented at the BAFTAs in February, debuting a rich chestnut hair transformation and a bold Alexander McQueen suit, while making her first major red-carpet appearance with boyfriend Joseph Powell. Later this month, she’ll receive the Rising Star Award at the G’Day USA Arts Gala (Feb 26), honoring her meteoric rise. From Targaryen princess to Girl of Steel, Alcock isn’t just rising—she’s redefining what it means to be Hollywood’s next big force.
The Aussie Roots
Alcock was born in Petersham, Sydney, and grew up with two younger brothers. Her early spark came playing Little Red Riding Hood in primary school, leading to small roles on Australian TV (Janet King, A Place to Call Home, Pine Gap) and commercials (Cadbury, KFC). She briefly attended Newtown High School of the Performing Arts but dropped out in 2018 after landing the lead in Upright (Foxtel/Stan), a road-trip comedy that earned her an AACTA nomination and a Casting Guild Rising Star Award. Those early gigs built her foundation: versatile, grounded, and unafraid of risk.
The Breakthrough: Young Rhaenyra
Cast in July 2021 as young Rhaenyra Targaryen, Alcock became the shining star of House of the Dragon‘s first season. Critics praised her intensity—CNET called her “the shining star of the opening episodes”—and she earned nods from Critics’ Choice, Critics’ Choice Super Awards, and Saturn Awards. Her performance captured the teenage heir’s fire and fragility, setting the stage for Emma D’Arcy’s older version. The role launched her globally, turning a Sydney girl into a fantasy icon overnight.
Post-Dragon Glow-Up
Alcock avoided typecasting. She made her West End debut as Abigail Williams in The Crucible (2023), proving stage chops. In 2025, she starred as Simone DeWitt in Netflix’s Sirens, a dark comedy with Julianne Moore and Meghann Fahy. She’s now filming Thumb, another lead in a dark comedy alongside Sofia Vergara, Awkwafina, and Kate McKinnon. These choices show range: from medieval politics to modern satire.
Becoming Supergirl
James Gunn’s casting call was direct: he saw Alcock in House of the Dragon and knew she was Kara. Announced in January 2024, she first appeared (uncredited cameo) in Superman (2025). The standalone Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (originally subtitled, now simplified) adapts Tom King’s comic miniseries, with Ana Nogueira scripting and Craig Gillespie directing. Co-stars include Matthias Schoenaerts (Krem), Eve Ridley (Ruthye), David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham (parents), and Jason Momoa potentially as Lobo.
The tone diverges from past versions: Kara is battle-hardened, with survivor guilt, a drinking problem, and revenge-driven edge—no sunny CW optimism. The Super Bowl 2026 teaser showed her meeting Krypto on thriving Krypton, building massive hype. Alcock has spoken about overcoming impostor syndrome, trusting her instincts, and the surreal thrill of seeing the trailer.
2026 Is Her Year
February’s BAFTAs marked a style pivot: ditching signature blonde for rich chestnut in a relaxed updo, paired with a Sean McGirr for Alexander McQueen black suit (double-breasted jacket, high collar, laced corset top—masculine/feminine blend). She presented Best British Short Film and walked the red carpet with chef boyfriend Joseph Powell, their first major joint appearance after going Instagram-official in summer 2025. Vogue and Town & Country hailed the “sultry, sizzling” look.
On February 26, the G’Day USA Arts Gala in LA honors her with the Rising Star Award, recognizing standout work in Superman, Supergirl, and House of the Dragon. With Supergirl hitting theaters June 26 (and IMAX), 2026 cements Alcock as a global force.
Alcock’s strength lies in choices: no rush to franchise roles, but deliberate steps building depth. From dropping out of school for Upright to leading DC’s next big hero, she balances vulnerability and power. In interviews, she credits preparation, community (shoutouts to Gunn, Gillespie, cast), and trusting the process. As Hollywood evolves toward complex heroes, Alcock’s flawed, fierce Kara fits perfectly. Whether in Westeros or Krypton, she commands attention—and the industry is watching.
Key Facts About Milly Alcock
Milly Alcock (born Amelia May Alcock on April 11, 2000) is an Australian actress best known for her breakout role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon (2022–2024). She is set to star as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl in the DC Universe, with her first appearance in Superman (2025) and the lead in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (release June 26, 2026).
- Early Life & Career: Born and raised in the Petersham suburb of Sydney, she has two younger brothers. She began acting young, securing her first agent at age 13 and appearing in small Australian TV roles (Janet King, A Place to Call Home, Pine Gap). She attended Newtown High School of the Performing Arts but dropped out in 2018 to star in Upright (Foxtel/Stan), earning an AACTA nomination and Casting Guild of Australia Rising Star recognition.
- House of the Dragon (2022): Her portrayal of young Rhaenyra earned a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and widespread praise for capturing the character’s intensity and vulnerability.
- DC Universe (Supergirl): Cast by James Gunn in January 2024 after he saw her in House of the Dragon. The role draws from Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, offering a darker, more complex take on Kara Zor-El.
- Awards & Recognition: Early Rising Star nod from the Casting Guild of Australia (2018); upcoming Rising Star Award at the G’Day USA Arts Gala (February 26, 2026).
- Other Projects: West End debut as Abigail Williams in The Crucible (2023); Netflix’s Sirens (2025) opposite Julianne Moore; upcoming dark comedy Thumb (with Sofia Vergara, Awkwafina, Kate McKinnon); earlier credits include Reckoning (2020), The Gloaming (2020), and short film Furlough (2020).
- Personal Life: She grew up in a non-artsy family and is an avid photographer (sharing work on social media). She is in a relationship with chef Joseph Powell; they went public in summer 2025 and made their first major red-carpet appearance together at the 2026 BAFTAs.
- Initial Fame: A relative newcomer before House of the Dragon, she navigated sudden global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, including relocating to London for filming.
Alcock’s trajectory—from Sydney side gigs to leading a major DC film—reflects a measured approach to a high-profile career. With Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow on the horizon and consistent critical support behind her, she continues to build a body of work that prioritizes depth over speed. As the industry shifts toward more nuanced heroes, her choices position her as a steady presence rather than a fleeting one.
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