Summary
Supermandirector James Gunn revealed the first official photo of a fan-favorite character and explained how the real-life inspiration for this DC Comics hero changed the script.
Supermanwill be the first official feature film in Gunn’s developing DC Universe. The film features an ensemble of classic DC Comics characters, including but not limited to Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner. While Gunn previously teasedKrypto the Superdog’s appearance inSuperman, the director took “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month to unveil the first official image of the Man of Steel’s faithful companion.
Gunnshared the official photo of Superman andKrypto the Superdog across social media. The image features Superman and Krypto sitting on the moon’s surface and looking at Earth. The photo recreates an image from the comics that Gunn shared in the post. Gunn also shared a picture of himself with his dog Ozu, who was adopted by the filmmaker when he was writing theSupermanscript and inspired this incarnation of Krypto the Superdog.
Ozu, who came from a hoarding situation in a backyard with 60 other dogs & never knew human beings, was problematic to say the least. He immediately came in & destroyed our home, our shoes, our furniture - he even ate my laptop. It took a long time before he would even let us touch him. I remember thinking, “Gosh, how difficult would life be if Ozu had superpowers?” - and thus Krypto came into the script & changed the shape of the story as Ozu was changing my life. What better time to debut the not-so-good-good-boy Krypto than #AdoptAShelterDog Month. Btw, Ozu today, is, fairly often, a very good boy. #Superman
The photo has been well-received by most fans. TheSupermancast even replied to Gunn’s post with enthusiastic words for Krypto and Ozu. “Love ozu!!! Honored to have pet him,” wrote Merced before expressing fondness for Krypto’s lopsided ear.Mister Terrific actor Edi Gathegialso teased what fans can expect from the Dog of Steel, writing, “Krypto bout to melt hearts.” Instagram user @rammerjammer_duck echoed the sentiment of many fans, writing, “When I think of Superman story. Krypto is always there. I will accept no hate of a man’s best friend.”
Of course, some fans believe Krypto’s inclusion is a sign thatSupermanis moving in the wrong direction. While Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe could be characterized as dark and serious, Gunn’sSupermanand the DCU aim for a lighter and more fun tone. However, some fans believe Krypto’s role inSupermanmeans the film and DCU franchise will be far more ‘silly’ than they desire. That said, other fans are thrilled to move away from the grim tone of Snyder’s DCEU and embrace Gunn’s willingness to include some of the more ‘goofy’ aspects of the Superman lore.
Although fans may argue over how serious or fun the DCU should be, Gunn could change tones depending on the individual DC project. Superman is a character intended to inspire hope, therefore it shouldn’t be surprising that his new feature film’s tone will be lighter. However,theSwamp Thingmoviethat Gunn announced could take a darker approach. Maybe adjusting the tone depending on the DC project can help differentiate the DCU from the MCU and DCEU, which arguably have the same style across each movie and show.
Supermanis scheduled to be released in theaters on June 02, 2025.
Superman
Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.' rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill departed from the role, honoring the character’s roots as “the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way.”
