Director James Gunn reveals that Krypto, Superman’s loyal dog making his big-screen debut, was inspired by his own mischievous rescue dog, Ozu.
Krypto Leaps onto the Big Screen
Superman isn’t the only hero getting a fresh start! His iconic canine companion, Krypto, is set to make his cinematic debut in James Gunn’s upcoming film, bringing a fan-favorite character to a new generation of viewers.
While many heroes have animal allies, Krypto stands out with his Kryptonian powers under a yellow sun, mirroring Superman himself. For James Gunn, the director, bringing Krypto to life on screen wasn’t just a creative decision; it was deeply personal.
A Rescue Dog Named Ozu
Gunn recently shared the surprising origin of Krypto’s inclusion. As he was diving into the intensive process of making the Superman film, he welcomed a new member into his own family: a rescue dog named Ozu.
Ozu came from a challenging background, having been raised in a hoarding situation with over 60 other dogs. This difficult start meant Ozu had some unique behaviors and a lot of personality to unpack.
The Inspiration Behind a Super Dog
As it turned out, Ozu was quite the handful. Gunn recounted how his new furry friend seemed to want nothing to do with him or his wife. Instead, Ozu embarked on a mission to thoroughly redecorate their home, one bite at a time.
Among Ozu’s many destructive feats was the complete demolition of a $10,000 laptop. This particular incident sparked an epiphany for Gunn. He vividly remembers thinking, “Well, thank God he doesn’t have superpowers!”
And just like that, the idea for Krypto’s cinematic portrayal was born. This personal, humorous, and slightly chaotic experience with Ozu directly fed into Gunn’s vision for Superman’s super-powered pet.
Bringing Krypto’s Look to Life
With the concept solidified, Gunn quickly moved to incorporate Ozu’s likeness into Krypto’s design. He even had Krypto 3D modeled to resemble his own mischievous dog.
Though Ozu himself wasn’t quite ready for a major film role – Gunn jokes he wasn’t in the mood to appear – his spirit and unique appearance will clearly shine through in Superman’s loyal companion.
Anticipation Builds for Superman
The new Superman film, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, is set to hit theaters on July 11. Early reactions have already generated significant buzz, promising a fresh yet faithful take on the iconic hero.
The impressive cast also includes Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and Maria Gabriela De Faria, ensuring a star-studded adventure for fans to look forward to.
- Krypto, Superman’s super-powered dog, will make his cinematic debut in James Gunn’s upcoming film.
- The character was inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu, adopted around the time he started working on the movie.
- Ozu’s mischievous and destructive antics, including eating a $10,000 laptop, directly led to Gunn’s “thank God he doesn’t have superpowers!” thought, sparking the idea for Krypto.
This personal touch from James Gunn is just one more reason fans are excited to see how he reimagines the beloved world of Superman, complete with its newest, and furriest, hero.
