Why Krypto the Super Dog May Not Be What You Expect…

Published: October 17, 2024

Why Krypto the Super Dog May Not Be What You Expect…

By Movieguide® Contributor

DC Universe architect James Gunn explained how his real-life dog inspired him to include a super canine in his upcoming SUPERMAN film.

“Krypto hits the screen in SUPERMAN this summer,” Gunn wrote on Instagram. “Krypto was inspired by our dog Ozu, who we adopted shortly after I started writing Superman. Ozu, who came from a backyard hoarding situation with 60 other dogs and never met humans, was troubled, to say the least. He immediately came in and destroyed our house, our shoes, our furniture – he even ate my laptop. It took a long time for him to let us touch him.”

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, how hard would life be if Ozu had superpowers?’ – and so Krypto came into the script and changed the shape of the story while Ozu was changing my life, continued Gunn. “What better time to debut the not-so-good boy Krypto than #AdoptAShelterDog month. In fact, Ozu today is, quite often, a very good boy.”

Although Krypto, a super-powered dog from Superman’s home planet, has been part of the DC comics universe since 1955, he has never appeared in a live-action film. The dog traditionally boasts super strength, intelligence and senses, according to Variety.

Krypto adds to SUPERMAN’s extensive list of characters, all of whom play important roles according to Gunn. The director has already shared how he disapproves of including recognizable characters for no reason. The current roster of characters includes Superman, Lois Lane, Lex Luther, Jimmy Olson and Eve Teschmacher.

“The whole point is that it’s NOT a big movie — I mean, not in terms of the cast,” Gunn said last December. “It’s normal for films with a single protagonist to have other characters – it’s much more unusual for them not to.”

“I don’t mind cameos – if it’s a glimpse or a moment, an Easter egg,” Gunn continued. “What bothers me is when they destroy an otherwise elegant story by inserting characters – they’re not there because the story demands it, but for some other reason.”

SUPERMAN wrapped filming earlier this year and is scheduled to be released in July 2025, kicking off the new DC Universe.

Movieguide® previously reported:

James Gunn thanked Cleveland for being a great host while filming in the city and revealed that filming on the film is almost complete.

“Today we are leaving you (Cleveland) after an incredible six weeks of filming,” Gunn wrote on social media. “From the moment we arrived here as scouts a little less than a year ago, and the Terminal Tower was lit up in Superman’s colors, I knew you were a special place. I would walk down their streets and someone would stop me and tell me how grateful they were that we were filming in their city – not once, not twice, but dozens of times.

“The film’s wonderful background actors were always so fun and funny and applauded after takes, something that reminded us Hollywood cynics why we make movies in the first place,” continued Gunn. “The pride you feel in being the city where Jerry and Joe first created Superman was invigorating. You exemplify his spirit. But it was also the pride you have in your community, your hometown, your radio stations, restaurants and gathering places that touched me.”

“Every city would be so lucky to have people who love it as much as you do,” Gunn concluded his post. “You simply could not have been more wonderful, kind or accommodating to me, our artists and staff. Thank you a thousand times for being our friends and partners in this film. Much love to you all. 🧜‍♂️❤️”