Getting cast in a superhero film is already a dream. For Eve Ridley, landing the role of Ruthye Marie Knoll in “Supergirl” was the kind of moment that felt too big to process right away.
The young Filipino-British actress had gone through several auditions for the role, with long pauses in between. Naturally, the waiting came with uncertainty. Would she hear back? Was the part still possible? Then, finally, the call arrived.
“But then I did get the call with the news and it’s the best feeling ever,” shares the young Filipino-British actress. “It’s a feeling that you can’t describe, you know? You’re so happy and proud of yourself, but then it also takes a while to sink in.”
Once the news began to feel real, Ridley stepped into research mode. She read the comic, learned more about Supergirl, and studied the iconic look and personality of Kara Zor-El.
“That’s when I read the comic and I did lots of research about Supergirl and her iconic look and the difference between Kara and Supergirl. And I loved it and I’m so happy that I got to be part of this amazing film.”
Meet Ruthye, Supergirl’s Fierce New Ally
In “Supergirl,” Ridley plays Ruthye Marie Knoll of the Danastia Clan. Headstrong, focused, and scrappy, Ruthye is driven by one goal: to avenge her family and bring justice to the man who killed them.
Her mission leads her to Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock. Together, the two characters set out on an epic interstellar journey shaped by grief, courage, vengeance, and justice.
Watch the trailer here:
At first glance, Kara and Ruthye seem like an odd match. Ruthye is controlled and composed, while Kara moves through the world with a more relaxed, unpredictable energy. For Ridley, that clash is part of the fun.
“Ruthye’s quite upright and very composed and put together, but then Kara… she’s got that sort of energy where she doesn’t care what she says and she’s using a lot of slang language and it’s all really casual. You can see the difference between them and how it clashes. I think that’s really funny.”
A Big-Sister Bond With Milly Alcock
The connection between Ridley and Alcock was not limited to their characters. Screenwriter Ana Nogueira says the two actors built a warm, supportive dynamic while working on the film.
“Milly was like a big sister to Eve throughout this challenging thing that they both were doing, and I think all of that sisterly love and respect comes through on screen,” says Nogueira.
She also describes Ridley as a standout discovery.
“Eve Ridley is just an unbelievable find, such a gem. She’s self-actualized, she’s just herself, nice and sweet, professional.”
Ridley shares the same admiration for Alcock, calling her a dream to work with.
“Milly is such a dream to work with. I really look up to her,” says Ridley. “She taught me so much, and she’s such an amazing actress.”
For Ridley, Alcock’s take on Kara is both powerful and emotional.
“And I think Kara is such a strong and emotional character and Milly really takes on all of those emotions and really showcases her talent. I loved working with her. She’s a bit like a big sister.”
Learning the Language of Filmmaking
“Supergirl” also gave Ridley the chance to learn from director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Ana Nogueira.
Before filming started, Gillespie walked the actors through one of the cave scenes during a readthrough. He even sketched Ruthye and Kara, adding arrows to show where they would move in the scene. For Ridley, that simple drawing became a helpful window into the director’s vision.
“I loved how he envisioned that scene to be and the way that he explains things,” says Ridley. “And learning different terms and phrases that he used will really help me for my future as well, because different directors have different methods and ways.”
Before “Supergirl,” Ridley had already appeared on television, with credits including “The Witcher” and “3 Body Problem.” Still, stepping into a major film role brought new lessons, bigger sets, and fresh challenges.
The Villain Who Truly Scared Her
One of the most unforgettable moments for Ridley happened early in production, when she met Matthias Schoenaerts, who plays the villainous Krem.
“I met him on my second day of filming, when we were doing the scene where my family gets murdered,” shares Ridley. “I’d never met him before, and he was in full costume, hair, makeup…”
That first meeting was intense. Ridley had not seen photos of what Krem would look like, so the sight of Schoenaerts in full transformation caught her completely off guard.
“I was too scared to even make eye contact with him. I was physically shaking.”
Although the fear was real, it ended up helping the scene.
“I thought I liked horror films, but this was a different kind of fear, and I think that really helped with the scene because it was the first time I was seeing him and the first time Ruthye was seeing him. So, to channel all those emotions, that really helped a lot.”
Off camera, however, Schoenaerts was far from frightening.
“But under all of the prosthetics and under all of the makeup and the creepy voice, he is such a nice guy and he’s really fun to work with.” she adds.
Jason Momoa’s Rock n’ Roll Lobo
Ridley also has a fun story about working with Jason Momoa, who plays Lobo.
According to Ridley, Momoa brings “a rock n’ roll Super-Villain vibe” to the character. Even with Lobo’s tough and wild presence, Momoa was thoughtful on set, especially during action scenes.
“He’s such a great actor and he’s also really kind as well, because when he had to strangle me, he was always making sure that the blades on his gloves weren’t hurting me,” shares Ridley with a laugh.”
It is the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that shows how much care goes into making a big superhero spectacle feel safe, exciting, and believable.
Why Supergirl Matters
Beyond the action and cosmic adventure, Ridley hopes audiences connect with the heart of “Supergirl.”
“I think that she’s such an inspirational character, and especially younger children who are growing up watching all of these superhero films, they can really look up to Kara and think, wow, I want to be as brave as her when I’m older.”
For Ridley, Kara’s story is a reminder that dreams are not just meant to be imagined. They can also be pursued.
“If she can make her dream come true, so can I. I don’t need to just dream it, but I can make it reality.”
Most of all, she sees Supergirl as a symbol of courage and possibility.
“I feel like Supergirl really is the definition of girl power. Every kid wants to find their superhero. I’m just happy I found mine.”
“Supergirl” lands in Philippine cinemas today, June 24. Distributed locally by Warner Bros. PH.
