David Corenswet had a very public Superman-adjacent moment at the New York City premiere of Supergirl.
The actor appeared to step in after a photographer placed a hand on Milly Alcock’s back during the red carpet event on Monday, June 22. Video of the moment spread quickly online, with fans praising Corenswet for reacting when he saw his costar being touched.
Us Weekly reported that Corenswet, who plays Clark Kent/Superman in James Gunn’s DC Universe, moved toward the photographer after the person touched Alcock while trying to get her attention.
Alcock plays Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, in the new DC Studios film. The red carpet clip drew extra attention because Corenswet and Alcock play Kryptonian cousins on screen.
Corenswet Appeared to Confront the Photographer
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In the viral clip, Alcock is standing with Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult when the photographer reaches toward her back. Corenswet then breaks away from the group and appears to speak directly to the photographer.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Corenswet moved closer to Alcock’s side and gestured toward the crowd before the group resumed their conversation. The outlet noted that the clip led several viewers to compare the moment to his Superman role.
EW cited one X user who wrote that photographers should keep their hands to themselves, while another said there was no reason to touch Alcock when other photographers were able to get her attention without doing so.
The Premiere Brought Together DC’s New Leads
The June 22 premiere included Alcock, Corenswet, Brosnahan and Hoult, who are part of the new DC film universe. Corenswet plays Superman, Brosnahan plays Lois Lane and Hoult plays Lex Luthor, while Alcock leads Supergirl as Kara Zor-El.
Entertainment Weekly reported that director Craig Gillespie described Kal-El and Kara’s relationship as having an “almost older-sibling dynamic,” shaped by the fact that Superman was raised on Earth while Supergirl endured a much harsher upbringing.
Alcock first appeared as Kara in 2025’s Superman. Supergirl now moves her into the center of the story, with Corenswet returning in a supporting capacity.
Alcock Leads DC’s New Supergirl Movie
Supergirl is based on the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic arc by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. Reuters reported that the film follows Kara on an intergalactic mission with Ruthye Marye Knoll, played by Eve Ridley, as they seek justice for Ruthye’s family and try to save Krypto.
The cast also includes Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills and Jason Momoa as Lobo. Reuters reported that Craig Gillespie directed the film from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira.
Alcock told Reuters that taking on the role was her first major film experience and described it as “the biggest thing ever in the world.” The movie begins its global theatrical rollout on June 24 and opens in U.S. theaters on June 26.
The Moment Followed Earlier Scrutiny Around Alcock
Alcock has already dealt with heavy public attention while stepping into the Supergirl role. In an earlier interview covered by Deadline, she spoke about the way women in major fandom spaces are often treated as if the public has ownership over their bodies and appearance.