What's Inside?
- Dean Cain’s remarks about Milly Alcock’s appearance triggered backlash across Reddit and social media ahead of 'Supergirl’s release.
- James Gunn addressed the viral ear piercing debate, explaining how Kara Zor-El could have pierced ears despite being Kryptonian.
- Cain’s comments arrive after the former 'Superman' actor also criticized Gunn’s interpretation of Superman’s immigrant story, highlighting a growing divide among DC fans.
The closer Supergirl gets to theaters, the more the conversation seems to drift away from the movie itself and toward the people talking about it.
Over the past week, Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El has become the center of two separate online debates. One focused on a surprisingly nerdy question about Kryptonian physiology. The other revolved around former Lois & Clark star Dean Cain, whose social media comments about Alcock’s appearance sparked criticism from fans.
Why Are Dean Cain’s Comments About Milly Alcock Causing Backlash?
Dean Cain’s comments drew criticism because many fans felt the former Superman actor was participating in online jokes targeting Milly Alcock’s appearance. While Cain insisted he never called Alcock unattractive, many social media users argued that his responses contributed to the conversation.
The controversy began when Cain reposted a promotional image of Alcock in costume on X. The actor jokingly questioned how Supergirl could have ear piercings if Kryptonian skin is supposedly bulletproof.
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) June 7, 2026
The discussion escalated when another user shared a comparison image involving Land of the Lost character Cha-Ka. Cain responded with, “Dang it, I laughed.”
Dang it… I laughed 😅
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) June 8, 2026
After some users accused him of mocking Alcock’s appearance, Cain clarified that he never called the actress ugly. The clarification, however, did little to calm the reaction.
James Gunn Has an Answer for Supergirl’s Ear Piercings
The irony is that the original question about Supergirl’s ear piercings actually received an official answer.
Responding to fans on Threads, DC Studios co-chair James Gunn explained that Kara Zor-El could have gotten her piercings while visiting a planet orbiting a red sun.
“As explained in Superman, the same way she gets drunk – she goes to a planet with a red sun,” Gunn wrote.
View on Threads
The explanation fits established Kryptonian lore. Under a red sun, Kryptonians lose their extraordinary abilities and durability. That would make ordinary procedures such as ear piercing entirely possible.
Gunn also offered another explanation. According to the filmmaker, Kara spent her early years growing up on a surviving fragment of Krypton and did not develop powers until her teenage years.
That detail means Kara may have gotten her ears pierced long before she became nearly invulnerable.
Milly Alcock Has Already Spoken About the Scrutiny
What’s striking is that Alcock seemed prepared for this type of reaction long before the controversy emerged.
Speaking to Vanity Fair earlier this year, the actress admitted she was nervous about leading a major DC film.
“Of course I’m scared,” Alcock said. “Of course I want people to like me and the movie. But ultimately, it’s out of my control.”
The actress also reflected on lessons learned during her breakout run on HBO’s House of the Dragon.
“It definitely made me aware that simply existing as a woman in that space is something that people comment on,” Alcock explained.
Those comments now feel especially relevant given the discourse surrounding her appearance rather than her performance.
Anyone who followed the House of the Dragon conversation will recognize a familiar pattern. Before audiences even see the finished work, actors frequently become targets of debates that have little to do with the actual story being told.
Dean Cain Previously Criticized James Gunn’s New Superman
The Supergirl discussion is not the first time Dean Cain has found himself at odds with the current direction of DC Studios.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Cain questioned James Gunn’s comments describing Superman as an immigrant story.
Gunn had previously described Superman as “an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country” while discussing themes explored in the upcoming film.
Cain acknowledged that Superman is technically an immigrant because the character arrived from Krypton. However, the actor argued that modern interpretations risk moving too far away from the traditional ideals associated with Superman.
Referencing the classic slogan “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” Cain suggested that contemporary Hollywood has become increasingly interested in updating legacy characters to reflect modern political conversations.
The remarks generated significant discussion across political and entertainment circles.
James Gunn later responded to criticism by saying he was “not here to judge people.” Meanwhile, actor Nathan Fillion encouraged audiences to simply watch the movie before forming opinions.
Sean Gunn went further, defending the immigrant themes embedded within Superman’s story and arguing that immigration has always been central to the character’s identity.
What Craig Gillespie Says Makes Milly Alcock’s Supergirl Different
While online debates continue, director Craig Gillespie has emphasized that Kara Zor-El will differ dramatically from David Corenswet’s Superman.
According to Gillespie, Superman grew up in a loving environment and was effectively prepared for heroism from childhood.
Supergirl’s journey is much rougher.
Kara experienced trauma, loss and displacement before fully stepping into her powers. Gillespie described the dynamic between the cousins as one that occasionally resembles an older sibling rivalry.
That distinction matters because it positions Alcock’s version of Supergirl as something audiences haven’t seen on screen before. Rather than presenting another optimistic Kryptonian savior, the film appears to focus on a character still figuring out who she wants to become.
Check out the Supergirl trailer here:
People Also Ask
Why does Supergirl have pierced ears if Kryptonians are invulnerable?
James Gunn explained on Threads that Kara Zor-El could have gotten her piercings while on a planet with a red sun, where Kryptonians temporarily lose their powers. He also noted that Kara spent years on a fragment of Krypton before developing abilities.
What did Dean Cain say about Milly Alcock?
Dean Cain questioned how Supergirl could have ear piercings and later laughed at a social media comparison involving Milly Alcock’s appearance. He later clarified that he never called the actress ugly.
Has Milly Alcock responded to the controversy?
Alcock has not directly addressed Dean Cain’s comments. However, in a previous Vanity Fair interview, she discussed the reality of public scrutiny and acknowledged that women in major franchises often face intense commentary about their appearance.
Having followed superhero fandom for years, this controversy feels less like a debate about ear piercings and more like a reminder of how quickly conversations around blockbuster films can become personal.
The most interesting part of the story is not whether Kara Zor-El can physically have pierced ears. James Gunn already answered that. The bigger takeaway is how Milly Alcock has become the latest actor caught in the cycle of online scrutiny that often surrounds major franchise casting.
Supergirl arrives on June 26.
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