One of Superman’s most iconic yet underrated dynamics is his relationship with his beloved canine, Krypto. Fans have known for months that James Gunn would pay tribute to this iconic bond in his Superman movie, and now they have confirmation that the dynamic will be portrayed in a way that stays true to the comics.
This past week has been packed with Man of Steel news, thanks to a new photo from the movie shared with Screen Rant and the global release of the latest trailer. Both the set photo and trailer are significant when it comes to Superman’s relationship with Krypto, as they suggest that James Gunn will honor the true depth of this dynamic by portraying Krypto as more than just a superpowered dog.
Instead of just a mere superpowered dog, Krypto will be portrayed as Clark’s confidant and constant companion, offering in ways no one else can. This type of bond has long been established in the comics, making its inclusion in Gunn’s film a major win for fans.
Krypto’s True Role in Superman’s Life: Beyond the Superpowered Dog
The Emotional Depth of Superman and Krypto’s Bond in the Comics
Those unfamiliar with Krypto’s comic history might assume he's just a quirky addition to the Super-Family, essentially the dog equivalent of Superman. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For decades, Krypto has played an unmatched role in Superman’s life, providing Clark with companionship when he felt utterly alone due to his Kryptonian heritage and belief that he was the last of his kind. This bond is particularly well-established in comics, such as in Martin Pasko and Curt Swan's Action Comics #500 (1979), where Superman explicitly addresses the importance of Krypto in his life.
In this comic, Superman reflects on how he was incredibly lonely before Krypto’s arrival. Despite having friends like Lana Lang, none of them could fill the void of knowing he was the last living Kryptonian. However, Krypto’s arrival changed everything. Clark found he could share things with his canine companion that he couldn’t with anyone else, giving him not just a pet, but a confidant who shared in his loss. As such, the bond between Superman and Krypto is deeply unique and rich with emotional depth. Based on the glimpses from the new trailer and photo for the Superman movie, it seems that this particular take on their relationship will be honored on the big screen.
How We Know the Superman and Krypto Bond in Gunn’s Movie Will Be Faithful to the Comics
Exclusive Photo of David Corenswet as Superman in Movie Still
The first piece of evidence that Superman and Krypto’s bond will be portrayed with the same emotional depth in the film as it is in the comics lies in a still from the movie. The photo shows the Man of Steel standing in the Fortress of Solitude with Krypto and one of his service-oriented robots. In this moment, Clark is shown speaking intently and empathetically to Krypto, mirroring how Superman typically interacts with the Superdog in the comics. He gives Krypto his full attention and speaks to him as if he were human. While we can’t hear what Clark is saying, the body language alone strongly suggests that Krypto’s role as a confidant in Clark’s life will be honored in the film.
Further evidence of their deep comic relationship being faithfully portrayed is found in the final seconds of the trailer. In this scene, Krypto lies attentively on an exhausted Clark’s chest, his ears perked and eyes focused on Superman’s face. This displays the same level of attentiveness that reflects the guardian-like role Krypto has played in Superman’s life. Combined with the earlier trailer moment of Krypto dragging a bloodied and bruised Clark home by his cape, it all but guarantees that the deep, nearly telepathic bond between the two in the comics will make its live-action debut.
The Perfect Comic to Read Before Krypto’s Live-Action Debut
Cover C Dan Mora Superman Movie Variant for Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 (2025)
For those looking to get to know Krypto better before his live-action debut in Superman (2025), fans should seriously consider checking out Ryan North and Mike Norton’s series, Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton, with its first issue set to release on June 18, 2025. The series begins at the very start of Krypto’s story, showcasing his life as a puppy on Krypton before shifting focus to his early days on Earth. For anyone interested in a modern-day retelling of Krypto’s origins, this series is the perfect starting point.
Although the series has yet to be released, fans already have reason to trust that Krypto is in good hands. Superman and Krypto’s relationship. North acknowledged their long-standing bond in the comics and emphasized how Superman, like many people, recognizes the deep emotional connection humans can share with animals.
Why You Should Be Excited About Krypto’s Live-Action Debut
Main Cover by Jae Lee & June Chung for Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 (2025)
When it comes to Krypto’s live-action debut, the general consensus is that fans are more than excited to see the Superdog hit the silver screen. Part of this excitement comes from the simple fact that everyone loves an adorable pup, especially one with superpowers. But beyond that, Krypto’s inclusion offers a fresh dynamic that has yet to be explored in live-action. While fans will always appreciate and welcome Clark’s relationships with Lois, Batman, and even Ma and Pa Kent, past portrayals of these dynamics have already shaped audience expectations. In contrast, Superman and Krypto’s relationship has never been given this kind of spotlight, making its debut feel entirely new and unexplored and bringing an extra level of excitement for what is to come.
