James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe came into greater focus this week beyond the upcoming “Superman: Legacy” when Gunn confirmed that “House of the Dragon” breakout Milly Alcock has been cast as Supergirl, a character that is getting her own superhero tentpole with “Supergirl: World of Tomorrow.” And who might direct the movie? No contenders have emerged yet, but “X-Men: First Class” and “Argylle” filmmaker Matthew Vaughn would highly consider it as he’s a self-proclaimed “Superman nut.”
Vaughn recently appeared on BroBible’s “Post Credit Podcast” and expressed both interest in directing Alcock in a “Supergirl” movie and confusion over the order of the film’s development.
“I’m a huge fan of Milly Alcock. Huge fan,” Vaughn said. “Met with her for this other project we’re working on — she turned me down, which was sad. She’s a fabulous actress. Then again, I do find it very weird that they haven’t got a director. That surprised me, because you shouldn’t cast a movie — the director should be casting the movie. I don’t understand who cast it if there isn’t a director.”
Because Gunn and Safran are in charge of creating a new DC Universe that will span films, television series and video games, they are the ones in full control over casting at this early stage. Alcock was cast as Supergirl in the DC Universe at large and not just her standalone movie “Supergirl: World of Tomorrow,” the director of which now won’t have a say in the casting of the title role.
Ana Nogueira (“The Vampire Diaries”) is writing the screenplay for “Supergirl: World of Tomorrow.” Variety reported shortly after Alcock’s casting announcement that DC is looking to attach a director to the movie in the coming weeks.
“I was asked about doing ‘The Flash’ way back, but I said I’d only do it if I could recast — if I’m directing my own superhero film, I want my own, new superhero,” Vaughn added. “But, Milly Alcock, I probably would have put forward for it if I was directing … so I haven’t considered it. Never say never. I’m a big fan of James Gunn and Peter Safran, so yeah, I would consider it.”
Gunn posted on Threads the morning after Alcock’s casting was announced that she was the first name he thought of for the role, adding: “Milly was the FIRST person I brought up to Peter for this role, well over a year ago, when I had only read the comics. I was watching ‘House of the Dragon’ and thought she might have the edge, grace and authenticity we needed.”
While not yet confirmed, Alcock might be making her Supergirl debut in “Superman: Legacy.” Gunn is directing the tentpole. The film is introducing a handful of comic book characters into Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe, including Superman (David Corenswet), Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillon) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Mercad).
“Superman: Legacy” is set to open in theaters July 11, 2025, from Warner Bros. “Supergirl: World of Tomorrow” does not yet have a release date.
