Before Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, DC Gave Superman’s Cousin A Terrible ’80s Film Adaptation
Not all superhero films are of the same caliber. While there are critically lauded hits like Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” there are also utterly disastrous movies such as Joel Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin.” Time, critics, and audiences will determine where the upcoming 2026 “Supergirl” film fits into this range, but some fans might find it noteworthy that this superhero has already appeared in a film that was despised by both critics and viewers alike.
In January 2024, we disclosed that Milly Alcock is set to lead DC’s upcoming “Supergirl” film, which is still aimed for a summer 2026 release. However, this marks not the maiden voyage of DC’s heroine onto the silver screen. Supergirl has featured in several “Superman”-related television series — including 2001’s “Justice League” and her own 2015 series on The CW, where she was portrayed by Melissa Benoist — but “Supergirl” also had a cinematic release in 1984, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and featuring Helen Slater.
Critically reviled, we can still inform you where it’s available for streaming if you wish to see it for yourself — just don’t be astonished if you find that the reviews were indeed accurate. For DC films and series, there remains a wealth of DC Universe release dates set for 2026, but Supergirl enthusiasts can enjoy a nostalgic treat with something campy before the 2026 edition premieres.
1984’s Supergirl may have been struck by Kryptonite
While the 2026 rendition of “Supergirl” is helmed by Craig Gillespie — who keen cinema buffs may know as the director of “I, Tonya,” a film about figure skating star Tonya Harding featuring Margot Robbie — the cast also includes Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenarts, and Emily Beecham alongside Milly Alcock. Yet, prior to the “House of the Dragon” actress wearing the cape, “City Slickers” star Helen Slater was the one embodying Supergirl.
The 1984 iteration of “Supergirl” features Slater as Kara, a denizen of Argo City operating under the name Linda Lee, the cousin of Clark Kent — aka Superman. Her objective is to retrieve the Omegahedron — a creation device — which has been stolen by a witch (Faye Dunaway). Besides Dunaway and Slater, the film includes Peter O’Toole, Peter Cook, and Brenda Vaccaro. Presently, the movie possesses a 19% Tomatometer score and a 26% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. In a 1984 critique for Globe and Mail, reviewer Jay Scott noted, “‘Supergirl’ is crafted by individuals who can make a woman fly halfway around the globe and can’t get a plot to stroll down the block.”
For those interested, “Supergirl” is now streaming on HBO Max, but it is also available for rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV. For the time being, you’ll need to await the June 26, 2026 release to see if Milly Alcock can successfully inhabit the role. However, if you feel that the absurdity of the 1984 “Supergirl” won’t satisfy your superhero cravings, perhaps Netflix’s darker version of “The Avengers” might pique your interest.