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Supergirl actress Helen Slater recalls the “unusual” aerobics style outfit her character almost wore in the 1984 film
The original Supergirl film almost featured the character in an aerobics headband and perm
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Nobody could escape 80s fashion trends, not even Supergirl. It’s important to remember that the first Supergirl film was released in 1984, and that meant Warner Bros. executives had some thoughts about how they wanted Helen Slater to look. The actress, who played Supergirl in the Jeannot Szwarc directed film, recalls her reaction to the dated costume she wore during her screen test.
“I had a screen test at Pinewood Studios before I got the part, and that was unusual because I was wearing a headband, a full blonde wig, and it was based on the variations [of Supergirl’s costume],” Helen Slater revealed during a panel at Spacecon 2026. “I don’t remember the moment once I got the part, but I do remember this feeling after all that training, and gaining 15 pounds in muscle, and just embodying her. I did feel an amazing strength.”
We’ve included an image from Slater’s screen test as the headline image, and you might notice that it resembles the costume Supergirl wore in the mid-80s. That’s because Warner Bros. asked DC Comics to include the outfit in their comics for brand synergy. However, Warner Bros. executives changed their minds and gave Supergirl a more traditional outfit in the movie after DC had already implemented the change in their comics. Curiously enough, the version Slater wore in the finished movie was a costume never actually worn by Kara in the comics at that point - although a 'fictional' Supergirl wished into existence by Jimmy Olsen (don't ask; it's comics) had worn it in 1958's Superman #123, a year before Kara's official debut.
Supergirl (1984) is currently streaming on HBO Max.
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About Spacecon
SPACECON is America’s newest comic con created by PMX Events. Attendees will see celebrity guests from the likes of Star Wars, Star Trek, Guardians of the Galaxy and other intergalactic movies and TV shows. Con goers will discover an immersive show experience to get up-close and personal with their favorite celebrities, voice artists, and comic artists with hundreds of exhibitors and special attractions to exhilarate any fandom.
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