New images from the Rocket Raccoon's origin and connections, James Gunn has clearly shown proficiency in crafting incredible characters, human or otherwise. Following this, I can't wait to see how Krypto plays into the Man of Steel's newest story.
Krypto recently made his big-screen debut in 2022 as part of the battle with Henry Cavill's Superman. Following the restructuring of DC Studios under co-CEOs Peter Safran and James Gunn, the direction has changed, and it is certain that Johnson will not return to voice Krypto in the new film.
James Gunn Has A History Of Writing Great Animal Characters In His Movies
From Scooby-Doo To Guardians Vol. 3
James Gunn has crafted several excellent animal characters in his films, which I believe is an excellent testament to his Krypto plans. This goes as far back as Scooby-Doo, a project he wrote that created an excellent version of the famous dog. He has since followed on this in Marvel, by humanizing Rocket Raccoon and his friends, including Floor and Teefs, and even in DC, where he made King Shark into one of the most compelling characters in The Suicide Squad. Gunn clearly knows how to build great characters from any components.
Because Krypto will not speak English, perhaps the most analogous character in Gunn’s history is Groot. Groot is an entity with a limited vocabulary that is still somehow able to produce a compelling and emotional character. Krypto, like Groot, will be limited in what he can say, as it has been confirmed that the character will only bark, not speak. Fortunately, James Gunn has clearly shown his creativity and how easily he can turn Krypto into a believable character, no matter how humanized he may or may not be.
James Gunn's Inspiration Has Me Convinced Superman's Krypto Will Be Great
Krypto Is Based On Ozu, James Gunn's Own Dog
In James Gunn's announcement post, he revealed the inspiration behind Krypto in the film: Krypto was largely modeled after Ozu, a rescue dog that Gunn took in while writing the script. In his Instagram post, Gunn explained his relationship with his dog and how both the beauty and the struggles of that have made it into the film. This shows me that the connection between Superman and his dog will be sweet and touching, with a great deal of relatability in their relationship.
Gunn has previously talked about how Rocket Raccoon was the Guardians of the Galaxy character most like himself, and this allowed him to inject so much humanity into the unusual creature. Following this template, it feels likely that Gunn will bring much of his own experience in the same way to the relationship between Krypto and Superman. Seeing the two share a beautiful relationship across the DC Universe is an exciting prospect that fits in with the tone Superman promises to carry.
Why Krypto Is Perfect For James Gunn's Superman Movie
The Inclusion Of Superman's Dog Contributes To An Uplifting Tone
The DC Universe begins with "Gods and Monsters", a chapter that suggests enormous, powerful forces in the universe. However, James Gunn has a clear history of humanizing characters of enormous size and scale in his films, and there is clearly an intention to build a hopeful, relatable Superman in the film. Using Clark’s relationship with his dog, Krypto, is a perfect way to do this. This contributes to a lighter tone and relationship while still able to contend with enormous, outsized forces in the larger universe.
Much of the darkness of Henry Cavill's Superman would make no sense in an uplifting take on the DC Universe that hopes to tie in all facets of the comic book history. While there is sure to be darkness in this new universe, it appears that Superman will be a much more positive experience. I believe Krypto is the perfect way to differentiate this take on Superman. James Gunn's history also shows that this will be handled thoughtfully and effectively in the film.
I can't wait for Superman to be released, and I am excited for whatever other strange bits of news and reveals we receive before it is out in theaters. Little teases like this clearly show that the film is going to be an unusual take on the superhero mythos, and that it will feel new, interesting, and exciting. Krypto embodies so much of the kindness and goodness that I have been hoping for in a Superman movie for some time, and I can't wait to see his relationship with the Man of Steel finally realized on the big screen.
Superman
- Release Date
- July 11, 2025
- Director
- James Gunn
- Writers
- James Gunn, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
- Producers
- Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran
- Franchise(s)
- DCU
Cast
Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El
Rachel BrosnahanLois Lane
Nicholas HoultLex Luthor
Edi GathegiMichael Holt / Mister Terrific
Superman: This film follows Clark Kent, a cub reporter in Metropolis, as he navigates the complexities of his dual identity, struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing while embracing his role as Superman.
