*Courtesy of Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection.*

Milly Alcock, who is set to lead the upcoming ‘Supergirl’ film, is speaking candidly about how she prepares for the criticism that often comes with high-profile roles.

Having previously starred in HBO’s House of the Dragon, Alcock is no stranger to passionate — and sometimes harsh — fan reactions. That experience, she says, has helped her brace for the scrutiny she expects as a woman headlining a major superhero movie.

Reflecting on her time in the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel, Alcock recently told Vanity Fair that it made her more aware of how women are treated in these spaces. She noted that simply existing as a woman in the spotlight invites commentary, adding that there’s a troubling sense of public ownership over women’s bodies. While she can’t control that, she says her focus is on staying true to herself.

The actress has also been open in the past about how she handles online reactions. In a 2022 interview with Nylon, she explained that she avoids engaging with discourse about her work because it negatively affects her mental health. Seeing constant images of herself and reading commentary, she said, makes her anxious and overwhelmed. She described the experience as exhausting and difficult to navigate, admitting she doesn’t understand how some public figures manage that level of exposure:

“It just makes me incredibly anxious,” Alcock said. “Me seeing my face constantly is straining. No one should have to do that. It f*ckin’ sucks, man. I don’t know how the socialites of the world can do that. It’s kind of driving me off the wall. It’s an incredibly difficult space to navigate.”

In her Vanity Fair interview, Alcock also addressed criticism of the superhero genre from acclaimed directors Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott. Both have been outspoken in their views, with Scorsese famously arguing that such films aren’t “cinema” and likening them to theme parks, while Scott has dismissed them as uninteresting. Alcock said she understands their perspective, noting their long careers creating exceptional films. At the same time, she emphasized that not every film is meant for every audience, and that personal taste is part of what makes art meaningful.

“I get it. They’ve been around for f*cking ever making phenomenal films. … Not every film is for everyone. The beauty of art is that you can be selective.”

‘Supergirl’ is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26. The film follows Kara Zor-El, played by Alcock, as she embarks on an interstellar journey driven by vengeance and justice, teaming up with an unexpected ally after a dangerous threat hits close to home.

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