Milly Alcock 101

Who is Milly Alcock and Why is She Everywhere?

If you’ve been following the latest in film and television, the name Milly Alcock has likely popped up. This talented Australian actress has quickly become a global sensation. She’s known for her captivating performances and her rapid rise to stardom.

So, who exactly is Milly Alcock? Here’s a quick look:

  • Nationality: Australian
  • Born: April 11, 2000
  • Breakthrough Role: Young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon
  • Next Major Role: Kara Zor-El / Supergirl in the new DC Universe. She will appear in Superman (2025) and lead Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026).

Milly Alcock’s journey from Australian television to major Hollywood franchises is a story of incredible talent and timely opportunities. She has captivated audiences worldwide. Now, she’s set to make an even bigger splash in one of the most anticipated superhero universes.

Infographic showing Milly Alcock's career journey from early Australian roles like 'Upright' to her international breakthrough in 'House of the Dragon' and her casting as Supergirl in the DC Universe. - milly alcock infographic

The Rise of Milly Alcock: From Australian TV to Global Stardom

Before she was a household name gracing our screens as a dragon rider or a Kryptonian hero, Milly Alcock honed her craft in her native Australia. Born on April 11, 2000, in Sydney, Australia, Milly started her acting journey at a remarkably young age, showcasing a passion for performance that would eventually lead her to international acclaim. We’ve seen her acting since 2013, steadily building a diverse resume that now boasts 17 acting credits.

Her early career saw her take on various roles in Australian television. She appeared in single episodes of series like Wonderland (2014) and Janet King (2017), alongside more extended stints in shows like High Life (2017), Fighting Season (2018), and Pine Gap (2018). She even had a role in the beloved Australian drama A Place to Call Home (2018) for four episodes, and featured in Les Norton (2019). These foundational roles provided her with invaluable experience, preparing her for the bigger stages that awaited.

Interestingly, Milly’s path wasn’t always conventional. She was a student at the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, a prestigious institution in Sydney known for nurturing young talent. However, in 2018, she made a significant decision that would alter the course of her career: she dropped out of school. It was a bold move, but one driven by her conviction and the belief that acting was truly where she belonged. As she humorously put it, “It wasn’t my place. I never did well. I really struggled and I really wanted to do well… it just wasn’t for me. It wasn’t my place. I didn’t really have any great teachers who saw me until I found acting was where I felt safe.” This pivotal decision was made because she was cast in a new Foxtel drama, a role that would become her breakthrough. You can read more about this journey in the article Young Aussie star rises after quitting school for acting.

What to Know About Milly Alcock’s Breakthrough Role in ‘Upright’

The Foxtel comedy-drama Upright (2019–2022) truly marked a turning point for Milly Alcock. In this series, she starred as Meg Adams, a feisty and complex teenager who finds herself on an unexpected road trip across the Australian outback with a struggling musician, Lucky, played by the brilliant Tim Minchin. The show, which spanned 16 episodes, followed these two misfits as they transported a precious piano across 2,000 miles of the Australian desert, forging an unlikely bond along the way.

Upright quickly garnered critical acclaim, not just for its unique premise and witty dialogue, but especially for the powerful performances of its lead duo. Milly’s portrayal of Meg was a standout, showcasing her impressive range and comedic timing. Her work on the show earned her significant recognition, including an AACTA Award nomination for Best Comedy Performer at the 10th AACTA Awards. This was a huge honor in the Australian film and television industry, solidifying her status as a rising star. She also received the Casting Guild of Australia Rising Star Award, further cementing her talent.

Her co-star, Tim Minchin, had nothing but praise for Milly, admiring her confidence and resilience. The show’s success, however, faced an unexpected hurdle: the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced Milly to pack her bags and return home from Hollywood, and she even lost her waitressing job, temporarily stalling her career momentum. Yet, Milly faced these setbacks with remarkable optimism. She was “very, very grateful to be Australian right now,” she stated, reflecting her positive outlook even amidst global uncertainty. Her ability to steer these early career challenges with such grace and determination only underscores her formidable spirit.

The Dragon’s Heiress: Conquering Westeros in House of the Dragon

While Upright introduced Milly Alcock to Australian audiences, it was her powerful performance in HBO’s House of the Dragon that truly launched her into global superstardom. Imagine stepping into a world as grand as Westeros, especially as a young actor! As Milly Alcock took on the role of the fiery and ambitious young Rhaenyra Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne, she instantly captured the hearts of millions around the world.

This show, a highly anticipated prequel to the legendary Game of Thrones, came with enormous expectations. Yet, Milly didn’t just meet them; she absolutely soared past them. For seven compelling episodes of the first season, she brought Rhaenyra’s formative years to life. We saw her complex relationship with her uncle Daemon and the budding rivalry with Alicent Hightower unfold on screen. Her portrayal was a masterclass in nuance, showing Rhaenyra’s sharp intelligence, fierce stubbornness, and tender vulnerability all at once.

Milly Alcock as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon' - milly alcock

Her incredible work didn’t go unnoticed. Milly Alcock earned widespread critical acclaim, leading to an impressive Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. This was just one of many accolades! She also received nominations for the IGN Summer Movie Awards, Critics’ Choice Super Awards, Logie Awards (a big deal in Australia!), and Saturn Awards, proving just how impactful her performance was. To think, she was only 21 years old when she began filming this monumental series – truly remarkable!

The Impact of Playing a Targaryen Princess

Taking on a central role in a global phenomenon like House of the Dragon changed everything for Milly Alcock. It wasn’t just a role; it was her ticket to the international stage, changing her into a recognizable face and a name on everyone’s lips, from fans to critics. As many put it, House of the Dragon is truly “what put Milly on the map” worldwide.

Her portrayal of young Rhaenyra was so utterly captivating that fans were genuinely sad when the series underwent a significant time jump. This meant the role of the older Rhaenyra was passed to the talented Emma D’Arcy. The strong connection Milly forged with the audience speaks volumes about her talent and how deeply her performance resonated.

This newfound fame brought exciting new opportunities. Milly Alcock expanded her artistic horizons beyond traditional acting, even appearing in a music video for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in January 2023! It was thrilling to see her accept new creative outlets. You can even check out her appearance right here: See House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock in Noel Gallagher’s new music video. Her incredible journey from a talented Australian local to a global star truly highlights her undeniable star power and bright future.

A New Hero for the Screen: The Woman of Tomorrow

Just when we thought Milly Alcock’s incredible journey couldn’t get any more thrilling, the universe had other plans! The exciting news dropped that she’ll be donning the iconic cape and boots of Supergirl in the new DC Universe. This isn’t just any role; it’s a truly monumental one, as she becomes the fifth actress to bring Kara Zor-El, our beloved Supergirl, to life in live-action, and the third on the big screen. Her casting has certainly sent ripples of excitement through the fan community, hinting at a vibrant new era for the Kryptonian hero.

Official 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow' promotional art - milly alcock

Get ready to catch a glimpse of Milly Alcock as Supergirl very soon! She’s slated to make her debut in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, hitting theaters in 2025. While it’ll be a brief appearance, it’s designed to be super impactful, perfectly setting the stage for her own solo trip. We’ve even heard a little whisper about her cameo: a “visibly intoxicated Kara” making an entrance to pick up her super-powered pal, Krypto. This moment isn’t just a fun tease; it’s a bit of history in the making, as it will be the very first live-action DC movie to feature both Superman and Supergirl together on screen. How exciting is that?

After that exciting introduction, Milly Alcock will truly take flight in her very own solo film, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, soaring into cinemas on June 26, 2026. The talented Craig Gillespie, who brought us fantastic films like I, Tonya and Cruella, will be at the helm as director. The anticipation is truly building, especially with little hints about her costume! We’ve heard it will “closely match David Corenswet’s Superman suit,” giving us a cool, unified Kryptonian look across the DC Universe. And if you need any more proof of Milly’s dedication, she even shared a photo of herself diving into the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic book. Talk about getting ready for the part!

What Makes Milly Alcock’s Supergirl Unique?

So, what makes Milly Alcock’s Supergirl stand out from the rest? The upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film takes its cues directly from the highly praised comic book series by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. This comic storyline offers a truly unique take on Kara Zor-El – one that’s more mature, a bit grittier, and, yes, even “hard-core.” And it’s this powerful, nuanced version that Milly is perfectly ready to bring to life on the big screen.

James Gunn, the co-head of DC Studios, has been very open about his exciting vision for Milly Alcock’s Supergirl. He’s described her as “much more hard-core” and even a “total mess” – a powerful contrast to her famous cousin, Superman, thanks to her “much more difficult background.” This difference is key to understanding what makes Milly’s portrayal so special. Think about it: Superman grew up on Earth with a loving family, learning strong morals. But Kara’s early life was incredibly tough. She spent her formative years on a desolate “rock,” witnessing unimaginable loss and hardship. This harrowing experience has shaped her into a true survivor, giving her a tougher shell and a more cynical, yet compelling, view of the world.

This deeper, more complex origin story truly sets Milly Alcock’s Supergirl apart from any we’ve seen before. It promises a captivating journey that will dig into themes of trauma, survival, and what it means to find your way in a universe that has truly tested you. And for an extra dose of awesome, we’re thrilled that the super-powered canine, Krypto, will be joining her in the film, adding both charm and thrilling action to the story. This Supergirl won’t just be soaring through the sky; she’ll be navigating a powerful past that makes her an incredibly unique and wonderfully relatable hero for our screens.

Awards, Accolades, and Other Notable Projects

While her incredible roles in Upright, House of the Dragon, and her upcoming turn as Supergirl are certainly what most people know her for, Milly Alcock’s talent has been recognized far beyond those big parts. She’s been praised with a string of awards and nominations throughout her rapidly growing career. It’s truly amazing – she’s earned 1 win and 8 nominations so far!

Milly Alcock on the red carpet - milly alcock

Her early work in Upright really caught the eye of critics in her home country. For her role as Meg Adams, she scooped up the Casting Guild of Australia Rising Star Award. She also earned an AACTA Award nomination for Best Comedy Performer, showing just how versatile she is, even early on.

Then came House of the Dragon, and with it, a wave of international recognition. For her captivating portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen, Milly Alcock received a prestigious Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. On top of that, she was nominated for the IGN Summer Movie Awards, the Critics’ Choice Super Awards, a Logie Award (another big Australian honor!), and a Saturn Award for her incredible work on the show.

Beyond these celebrated roles, Milly has also taken on other exciting projects, proving she’s always looking to grow as an artist. She appeared in the Australian mystery drama The Gloaming for seven episodes and the gripping crime thriller Reckoning for ten episodes.

In a bold move, she even stepped onto the stage! Milly Alcock made her West End debut in a production of Arthur Miller’s classic play The Crucible in June 2023. This jump to live theatre truly showed her commitment to challenging herself. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s currently filming a TV mini-series called Sirens, playing the character Simone DeWitt for eight episodes. We’re definitely keeping an eye out for that one!

Frequently Asked Questions about Milly Alcock

As Milly Alcock’s star continues to ascend, it’s only natural that fans and new admirers alike have burning questions about this talented Australian actress. We’re here to answer some of the most common inquiries we receive, giving you the inside scoop on her journey to global fame.

How old is Milly Alcock?

Ever wonder about the woman behind the dragon princess and future Supergirl? Milly Alcock was born on April 11, 2000, right in our vibrant city of Sydney, Australia. That means as of 2024, she’s just 24 years young! It’s truly amazing to see how much she’s accomplished in such a relatively short time, already captivating audiences worldwide with her impressive range and undeniable talent.

What is Milly Alcock’s most famous role?

While her list of captivating roles keeps growing, there’s no doubt that Milly Alcock’s portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon is what truly launched her into global stardom. Her nuanced performance as the fiery princess earned her widespread critical acclaim and several award nominations, making her a household name for fantasy fans everywhere.

But hold onto your capes! With her upcoming role as Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, in the new DC Universe, we predict this iconic superhero will soon become her most recognized and beloved character across the globe. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of Milly Alcock!

Is Milly Alcock in the new superhero movie?

You bet she is! Get ready to see Milly Alcock soar into the DC Universe. She’s actually set to make a special cameo appearance as Supergirl in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2025. Think of it as a fantastic sneak peek into her superhero journey!

And that’s just the beginning! This brief but significant introduction will perfectly set the stage for her very own solo trip, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is scheduled to fly onto the big screen on June 26, 2026. So, yes, prepare to see a lot more of Milly Alcock in the superhero world very soon!

Conclusion

What an incredible journey Milly Alcock has had so far! From her beginnings in Sydney, Australia, navigating early roles and making that brave decision to leave school for a chance in Upright, she clearly had a sparkle that was destined for bigger stages. We’ve watched her blossom from a promising talent in Australian television into a truly formidable presence as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Her rise has been nothing short of meteoric, marking her as one of the most exciting young actors of our time.

Now, as she gears up to put on the iconic cape of Supergirl, we’re all on the edge of our seats for her next big chapter. Her take on the character, promising a more “hard-core” and complex hero, is set to truly redefine the beloved Kryptonian for a new generation. It’s clear that Milly Alcock isn’t just a rising star; she’s a prominent talent who has effortlessly transitioned from local dramas to major global franchises, captivating audiences with every single role.

We here at The Dining Destination are absolutely thrilled to continue following her amazing career and celebrating all her successes! For more fascinating insights into entertainment and beyond, we warmly invite you to Explore more actor profiles and entertainment guides.

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