Krypto, Superman's beloved dog, makes his live-action debut in the latest DC Universe (DCU) film. While mischievous, Krypto proves to be a valuable ally, rescuing Superman in several crucial moments. At CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, James Gunn revealed that Krypto is based on his own pet, Ozu, a Terrier-Schnauzer mix.
After the loss of his dog, Wesley, Gunn visited a rescue center housing around 60 malnourished dogs living in poor conditions. Ozu, with one ear upright and scruffy fur, stood out with his comical appearance. Despite Ozu being untrained and wary, Gunn brought him home, coincidentally around the time he began writing the Superman script. He named the dog after the legendary Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu (1903-1963).
Gunn described Ozu as "the worst dog you can imagine," recounting how he destroyed furniture and even an $8,000 USD laptop. Ozu often avoided Gunn, was reluctant to play, and frequently nipped at his feet when he walked barefoot around the house.
"One time I was on the phone and had to sit cross-legged on the kitchen counter to avoid getting bitten. He jumped up on the counter, bit my foot, and knocked over dinner," Gunn said. These comical, yet frustrating, experiences sparked an idea: what if a dog had superpowers?
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Director James Gunn with his dog, Ozu. Photo: *Instagram James Gunn* |
Gunn collaborated with three visual effects companies, including the team behind Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy, to develop Krypto's appearance and movements using CGI. Ozu had to stand still on a table surrounded by cameras to capture his movements and shape from all angles for an accurate 3D model.
Gunn used home videos of Ozu playing as reference material for Krypto's animation. The character shares Ozu's appearance and playful nature, bringing humor and charm to several scenes. Krypto will also appear in the upcoming Supergirl film, scheduled for release next year.
According to *People*, Ozu has become more affectionate since his adoption and now often plays with Gunn's 13-year-old cat, Emily. "He's a very good boy now," Gunn commented.
"Superman" is set in a world rife with conflict. Superman (David Corenswet) is an alien struggling to integrate into human society disguised as journalist Clark Kent. However, he faces disdain from many who see him as unable to protect them. When Lex Luthor plots world domination, Superman defies the rules to prove his worth to humanity.
The film captures the character's essence, staying true to the source material. Corenswet's performance, praised for its warmth and composure, evokes Christopher Reeve's portrayal. He presents a more relatable and empathetic hero than previous iterations. However, some critics found the plot convoluted, with a mix of elements that made it difficult to follow.
Que Chi (*People*)