Is DC's New Supergirl A Step Back for Latina Representation in Superhero Cinema?

MIAMI - Supergirl has a new face, and it couldn't be more different from Sasha Calle, the Latina actress who embodied Superman's cousin the last time. DC Studios has unveiled its latest casting decision for the iconic role, choosing Milly Alcock, a young actress best known for her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO's "House of the Dragon."

Alcock is set to take on the mantle in the upcoming "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," a film based on the acclaimed comic run by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. The news, however, has stirred a blend of excitement but also controversy among fans, particularly within the Latino community.

Sasha Calle and Leslie Grace made history

The casting decision marks a substantial shift from DC's previous choice of Sasha Calle, the Colombian actress who played Supergirl in the movie "The Flash." Calle's selection was celebrated for its representation of the Latino community, making Alcock's casting seem like a step back for many.

This sentiment is especially poignant considering last year's cancellation of the already-filmed Batgirl movie, led by Leslie Grace, another Latina actress. The abrupt changes in DC's direction, including the overhaul of their cinematic universe formerly featuring Henry Cavill's Superman, have left fans questioning the studio's commitment to diversity.

One shining Latina light in the DC Universe

Amidst this reshuffling, only one Latina, María Gabriela de Faría, has been cast in the new lineup,. The Venezuelan actress is playing the villain The Engineer in the upcoming movie "Superman Legacy".

However, there is a ray of hope regarding Latino actors in the DC Comics Universe. Xolo Maridueña has revealed that James Gunn promised him a sequel to "Blue Beetle."

The abundance of Latina superheroes in DC comics

As DC navigates these turbulent waters, it's essential to highlight the potential for Latina superheroes in their universe. Should they decide to keep investing in diversity, there are plenty of characters to choose from.

Jessica Cruz, the Mexican-American Green Lantern, is a character ripe for adaptation. Overcoming immense fear of becoming a Green Lantern, Cruz's story is one of resilience and strength.

Another fiery character in the DC Universe is Beatriz da Costa, a Brazilian superhero known as Fire. Her pyrokinetic abilities and role as a founding member of the Justice League International make her a fascinating character for the big screen.

Yolanda Montez, also known as the second Wildcat, offers a unique narrative. Originally born with mutant powers, she underwent a dramatic transformation in the New 52 reboot, becoming a central figure in the Earth-2 storyline.

Renee Montoya, a character first introduced in "Batman: The Animated Series," has gradually become a staple in the DC Comics universe. As a Latina and LGBTQ icon, her transition into the role of The Question provides a compelling narrative for diverse representation.

The inclusion of any of these Latina superheroes in their movie projects or casting Latina actresses in other significant roles would be a significant step in showcasing a diverse cast and powerful narratives as DC charts its new direction.

Needless to say, Latinos represent one in every four moviegoers, not to mention that the Hispanic population only in the U.S. is almost 20% of its 336 million people.