When Superman makes his grand debut in July 2025, it won’t just be the iconic hero capturing audiences’ hearts; several major DC characters will also make their first live-action theatrical appearances. Among them is Krypto the Superdog, Clark Kent’s childhood companion who astonishingly survived the destruction of Krypton. The film stars notable actors including David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, alongside Frank Grillo, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, Anthony Carrigan, Skyler Gisondo, and Wendell Pierce. While this isn’t an origin story, it promises to explore the complexities of a young Superman balancing his relationship with Lois and confronting the growing threat of Lex Luthor.
In a recent buzz on social media, director James Gunn showcased some impressive special effects work in a clip featuring none other than Krypto. The Instagram post includes a humorous caption: “Krypto isn’t impressed with 4’s petting abilities. Test footage from @framestore. #Superman.” The video depicts Krypto reluctantly accepting pets from Robot #4, a mechanical companion within Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, highlighting the film’s lighthearted yet engaging tone.
Interestingly, while a real dog named Jolene played Krypto on set, the character’s primary appearance relies on cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI). Gunn’s decision to reinvent Krypto was inspired by his own rescue dog, Ozu. The director recently shared the story behind this influence during his appearance on the DC Studios Showcase podcast:
I adopted this dog. He was raised in a backyard with 60 other dogs, and he was in a hoarding situation. He didn’t know human beings at all. I went to the rescue place to look at the dogs, and he was just sitting in a, literally, a pile of dogs.
He didn’t want anything to do with me, but I thought he looked funny because of the ear. And so I guess the part of me that likes funny dogs was like, “I want the one with the stupid ear.” […]
And I brought him home. He wouldn’t let my wife or I touch him. He spent all the time with our other dog, who he just was connected to. And then he proceeded to ruin everything in my house. Like, you know, he destroyed all of my furniture.
Every time there was any sort of thing that was vaguely an animal on TV, he would attack something in the room and tear it apart, like an anger-like attack. A pillow, because there’s a hyena on film. He ate… destroyed my laptop. He just, you know, chewed up my laptop. He chewed up all my shoes. And whenever I walked around the house barefoot, which I am always barefoot in my house, he would bite my feet as hard as he could. And I would have to be like, “Ah!”
You know, or I’d be on the phone with somebody, and I pace while I’m on the phone, and it’s like I can’t scream because I’m on the phone. So I’d have to get up on my kitchen counter and, like, cross my legs so that my dog couldn’t get to them. And then all of a sudden I’d look over, and there he is, you know, flying up and then attacking my feet.
And I couldn’t tell whether it was because he hated me or what. And I’m like, “Oh, what if that dog had superpowers?”
This quirky insight into Gunn’s life undoubtedly shapes Krypto’s character in Superman. The test footage depicts both Krypto and Robot #4, voiced by Alan Tudyk. The robotic petter’s stiff mannerisms don’t seem to bother Krypto, who appears somewhat disinterested but remains in place. This aligns with the trailers’ portrayal of Krypto as a mischievous dog attempting to be good, explaining his tolerance for Robot #4’s less-than-ideal attempts at affection.
The test footage also stands out for its remarkable realism. Although Krypto is a CGI creation based on Ozu, his animated portrayal appears genuinely canine. Framestore’s attention to detail is commendable, adapting Ozu’s appearance to fit Krypto’s character by altering his color to white and remapping him onto a larger dog, Jolene. The result is a stunning visual representation, capturing the essence of both Krypto and Ozu without venturing into the uncanny valley.
As exciting as the initial footage is, it will be intriguing to see how Krypto is integrated into the final film. Action sequences featuring Krypto are anticipated, showcasing his agility and possibly even some unique powers. Bringing this beloved character to life in Superman presents its challenges, but if the quality of the test footage is any indication, audiences are in for a spectacular treat.
Oppenheimer fans looking for a fresh dose of superhero action won’t want to miss this upcoming film. Indeed, Christopher Nolan enthusiasts may find themselves captivated by this new spin on cinematic storytelling, especially with a character like Krypto taking center stage. In the ever-expanding DC Universe, the excitement is palpable, and anticipation is building as we count down to the film’s release.