Helen Slater Reflects on 40 Years of Supergirl: Auditions, Stunts, and Legacy

From Krypton to the CW, Helen Slater’s Supergirl legacy four decades later

Today is the 40th anniversary of Supergirl. This 1984 superhero film introduced audiences to Helen Slater as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. Jeannot Szwarc directed the film. He is best known for Jaws 2. The film was a spin-off of the wildly popular Superman series starring Christopher Reeve. Though it didn’t soar at the box office, Supergirl is still cherished for its ambition and casting. It is also valued for its ties to the broader Superman legacy.

The plot follows Kara, who journeys to Earth. She is searching for the Omegahedron, a powerful energy source. It was lost from her Kryptonian home of Argo City. Along the way, she faces the villainous Selena (Faye Dunaway), a sorceress bent on exploiting the Omegahedron for her own gain. The cast also includes Peter O’Toole as Zaltar, Kara’s mentor, and Mia Farrow in a brief role as Kara’s mother. Slater, then just 18 years old, embodied the character with grace and strength, setting the stage for future portrayals of the Girl of Steel.

During my panel at Superhero Comic Con, Slater shared insights about her experience.

She recounted the excitement of landing the role, with her mother being the first person she called after sewing a cape for Slater’s audition. She said the screen test in London felt surreal, likening it to an “Alice in Wonderland” experience. Though she was nervous, her love for Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman helped her connect to the character.

Preparing for the role required extensive physical training under Alf Join, who had also trained Reeve. Slater took on fencing, trampolining, and horseback riding to embody the athleticism needed for Supergirl. One of her favorite stunts was flying, which involved being hoisted 80 feet into the air on piano wires during a breathtaking sequence shot in Scotland.

The film’s production mirrored the grandeur of the Superman franchise, casting icons like Dunaway and O’Toole. Slater spoke fondly of O’Toole’s mentorship, recounting how he coached her on performing Shakespeare’s Juliet between takes.

After Supergirl, Slater’s connection to the Superman legacy endured. She voiced Martha Kent in DC Super Hero Girls and played Kara’s adoptive mother alongside Dean Cain in the CW’s Supergirl series. She recently reprised her role in The Flash (2023), with a de-aged cameo filmed using advanced camera rigs. Reflecting on the evolution of female superheroes, Slater celebrated how modern portrayals incorporate more nuanced, feminine qualities. She praised Melissa Benoist’s Supergirl as “kind, talented, and lovely,” underscoring the character’s timeless appeal.

As James Gunn prepares to reintroduce Supergirl to the DC Universe, Slater’s legacy continues to shine as a pivotal chapter in superhero history. Supergirl remains a testament to the enduring power of the Girl of Steel, inspiring generations of fans and actors alike.

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