Milly Alcock’s Supergirl Cape Has a Heartfelt Connection to Christopher Reeve’s Superman — And It’s Pure Magic

There’s something deeply poetic about passing the torch from one generation of superhero to the next. In a charming revelation that’s melting hearts across the DC fandom, Milly Alcock — the star of the upcoming Supergirl film — has confirmed that her cape was made using material from the original Superman cape once worn by Christopher Reeve.

The House of the Dragon alum shared the news in an interview with the Raiders of the Lost Podcast, and the moment is pure superhero magic. “My cape in this film was remade using material from the original Superman cape,” Alcock said, sending chills down the spine of anyone who grew up watching Reeve soar across the screen in Richard Donner’s 1978 classic. The revelation has since gone viral across social media, with fans marveling at the level of detail and reverence the DC Studios team is bringing to the new universe.

A Direct Line to Cinema History

This isn’t just a cute Easter egg — it’s a deliberate, heartfelt gesture from DC Studios co-head James Gunn and his team. The decision to incorporate fabric from Reeve’s actual Superman costume into Alcock’s Supergirl cape creates a tangible link between the original DC movie universe and the brand-new DCU that Gunn is building from the ground up.

Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman remains the gold standard for superhero performances — a benchmark that every actor who puts on the cape has had to measure themselves against. From Brandon Routh to Henry Cavill to David Corenswet, every actor stepping into the role has had to contend with Reeve’s legacy. By literally weaving that history into the fabric of Supergirl, the filmmakers are making a statement: this universe is built on the foundation of what came before, not in spite of it.

This approach stands in stark contrast to how some other franchises have handled legacy. Rather than rebooting or ignoring the past, Gunn and his team are embracing it — honoring the iconic performances while building something new. It’s a philosophy that extends beyond this cape detail; the DCU’s first film, Superman (2025), featured a cameo from Will Reeve, Christopher Reeve’s son, further cementing the family connection.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Lands June 26

The Supergirl film, directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya), is set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026. It will be the second official entry in Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, following Superman (2025) which starred David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. Where Superman introduced audiences to the new DCU’s tone and style, Supergirl promises to expand the cosmic side of the franchise significantly.

The story draws inspiration from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed comic book miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. In this version, Kara Zor-El celebrates her 23rd birthday by traveling across the galaxy with her dog Krypto, only to encounter a tragedy that sends her on a “murderous quest for revenge.” It’s a darker, more jaded take on the character — one that makes sense given her backstory of watching everyone she knew die on a chunk of Krypton.

At 108 minutes, the film is lean by superhero standards, suggesting a focused, character-driven story rather than a bloated CGI spectacle. James Gunn has described this version of Supergirl as a “pixie-ish” character who likes to party on planets with red suns where she can get drunk — a fun, dangerous energy that sets her apart from the more earnest Superman in Corenswet’s hands.

The supporting cast is stacked: Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa all join the adventure. Momoa’s involvement as Lobo has been one of the most talked-about casting choices, promising a wild dynamic when the Main Man crosses paths with Kara. And yes, Corenswet’s Superman will reportedly appear, cementing the family connection between the two Kryptonian cousins.

Why This Cape Detail Matters

In an era where superhero movies are often criticized for being too calculated or corporate, this cape detail feels human. It acknowledges that the DCU isn’t starting from scratch — it’s standing on the shoulders of giants. Christopher Reeve’s Superman is iconic for a reason, and the decision to physically integrate his legacy into the fabric of the new universe is the kind of thoughtful touch that fans will talk about for years.

It’s also a meaningful gesture toward the Reeve family. Christopher Reeve’s son Will Reeve has a cameo in Superman (2025), and the family has been closely involved with the DCU’s development. The 2024 documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story brought renewed attention to Reeve’s legacy both on and off screen, making this cape connection feel especially timely. The documentary was a critical and commercial success, reminding audiences why Reeve remains beloved decades after his iconic performance.

Milly Alcock: From Westeros to Krypton

Alcock’s casting as Supergirl was announced in January 2024, and since then, anticipation has been building steadily. The Australian actress made a massive impression as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in the first season of House of the Dragon, demonstrating a regal command and emotional depth that perfectly suits the character of Kara Zor-El. Her performance in House of the Dragon was widely praised for capturing both the fiery determination and the vulnerability of a young woman thrust into a political nightmare — qualities that map beautifully onto Supergirl’s journey.

Her Supergirl is described as more jaded and battle-hardened than her cousin Superman — someone who grew up on a destroyed Krypton and watched everyone around her die. That trauma shapes her worldview, making her both more dangerous and more interesting than the traditional Girl of Steel we’ve seen before. She’s not the bright-eyed hero arriving on Earth; she’s a survivor carrying the weight of an entire lost civilization.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Alcock acknowledged the pressure of stepping into such an iconic role. “I know I’ll face some backlash,” she admitted. But with this kind of attention to detail — right down to the fabric of her cape — it’s clear the production is being handled with care and reverence. Early buzz from test screenings has been positive, with insiders praising Alcock’s performance as a standout.

The Bigger Picture: DCU Chapter One Takes Shape

Supergirl is a crucial piece of Gunn’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate. Alongside Superman, Creature Commandos, Peacemaker Season 2, and Waller, it forms the foundation of a new interconnected universe that aims to learn from both Marvel’s successes and the DCEU’s missteps.

The cape detail is the kind of storytelling flourish that suggests Gunn and his team are approaching this franchise with genuine love for the source material — and for the people who made these characters beloved in the first place. It’s a small touch that speaks volumes about the philosophy behind the DCU: honor what came before, build something new, and never forget that these characters mean something real to the people who love them.

Supergirl flies into theaters on June 26, 2026.