Milly Alcock Opens Up on Post-House of the Dragon Career Slump
House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock has candidly revealed she faced a significant career downturn after her breakout role, admitting she was "scared her life was over" at just 22 years old. The Australian actress, now 25, shot to fame playing the younger Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the hit HBO fantasy series, but struggled to secure acting gigs following her appearance in Netflix's 2025 series Sirens.
From Fantasy Queen to Superhero Reluctance
Alcock confessed to Vanity Fair that she initially considered moving away from major franchise roles after her success in House of the Dragon. However, the lack of opportunities forced her to reconsider. "I was so s***-scared that my life was over at 22. And, of course, it wasn’t," she stated. This led her to accept the role of Supergirl in the upcoming DC solo film, despite her reservations about playing such an iconic character.
"I kind of bullied myself into it," Alcock revealed, describing "crazy dreams" of herself "at the foot of a tsunami" as she transitioned from television to superhero blockbusters. She added, "Of course I’m scared. Of course I want people to like me and the movie. But ultimately, it’s out of my control."
Preparation Through Public Scrutiny
The actress explained that her experience on House of the Dragon served as valuable preparation for the intense public attention that comes with a superhero role. She highlighted the deluge of comments women in the industry often receive, stating, "We have become very comfortable having this weird ownership of women’s bodies. I can’t really stop them. I can only be myself."
Supergirl's Cinematic Journey
In the new film, directed by Craig Gillespie of Cruella fame, Alcock steps into the role of Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin and one of the last survivors of Krypton. The plot follows Supergirl celebrating her 23rd birthday by traveling across the galaxy with her dog Krypto. When she encounters a young girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll, played by Eve Ridley, Kara embarks on a quest to pursue Krem of the Yellow Hills, a cold-blooded pirate portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts.
The star-studded cast also includes David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham as Supergirl's parents, with Jason Momoa appearing as the alien mercenary Lobo. The film is set to hit cinemas in June this year.
Future Projects and Return to Westeros
Beyond her superhero debut, Alcock is slated to appear in the upcoming black comedy film Thumb. She will play a reclusive woman whose life is upended when a mysterious severed thumb arrives in her mailbox, leading her on a quest for its owner and a path of self-discovery. The film features an all-star cast including Awkwafina, Kate McKinnon, Sofía Vergara, Stavros Halkias, Hannibal Buress, and Michael Zegen.
Fans of House of the Dragon can look forward to season 3, which premieres in June 2026 on HBO Max. Alcock's journey from fantasy royalty to superhero icon underscores the unpredictable nature of Hollywood careers, as she navigates both fears and opportunities in the spotlight.
