James Gunn Shares First Look at ‘Superman’s Krypto

The new Super-pooch is inspired by Ozu, the rescue dog that Gunn and wife Jennifer Holland adopted as he began writing the new ‘Superman’ movie.

(L to R) David Corenswet and Krypto in 'Superman.' Photo: James Gunn's Instagram account.

Preview:

James Gunn has shared a first look at ‘Superman’s Krypto.
The super-powered canine is inspired by his own rescue dog, Ozu.
This version of Krypto will make his debut next July when ‘Superman’ lands in theaters.

Aside from his successful filmmaking career, James Gunn has often talked about his love for his various cats and dogs, including the fact that most of his menagerie are rescue pets.

His dogs in particular have showed up in cameos in movie such as ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ So it makes sense that the version of Krypto the Superdog is inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu.

Here’s Gunn’s sweet tweet about the super-pooch and his real-world basis:

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A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)

From the sounds of it, the new Krypto will be different from the more straightforward portrayals of the past.

What is Krypto’s superhero history?

Dwayne Johnson as Krypto in Warner Bros. Pictures’ animated action adventure 'DC League of Super-Pets,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Krypto first appeared in 1955 in ‘Adventure Comics #210’ and appeared in numerous animated series and films, but never before in a live-action film.

The self-titled ‘Krypto the Superdog’ animated series starring the canine superhero premiered on Cartoon Network in 2005.

In the series, Krypto was Superman’s pet puppy on Krypton before being sent into space before the planet was destroyed. Upon landing on Earth he is a fully grown dog who has similar abilities to those of Superman.

He most recently appeared in animated form in 2002’s ‘DC League of Super-Pets,’ where he was voiced by Dwayne Johnson.

What’s the story of ‘Superman’?

(L to R) Rachel Brosnahan, David Corenswet and director James Gunn on the set of 'Superman.' Photo: James Gunn's Instagram account.

Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.

Peter Safran, Gunn’s co-chief of DC Studios (and a producer on the movie) said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:

“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”

Superman

"Look up."

Not Yet RatedJul 11th, 2025

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Superman, a cub reporter in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. Read the Plot

Who is appearing in ‘Superman’?

(Center) James Gunn and the cast of 'Superman.' Photo: James Gunn's Instagram Account.

David Corenswet is playing Clark Kent/Supes, while Rachel Brosnahan will be Lois.

Also in the cast? Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardener), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Terence Rosemore (Otis), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher) and María Gabriela de Faría (Angela Spica/The Engineer).

That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.