Krypto the Super Dog Confirmed for Superman as James Gunn Reveals First Look

In some good news for comic-book fans and dog people, Superman writer/director James Gunn has confirmed that everyone's favorite super pup will be headed to the big screen.

Gunn shared the news on social media on Tuesday that Krypto, Superman's loyal superdog, will be part of the film (confirming previous rumors), also offering a first look. It shows Superman and Krypto gazing at Earth from afar, a parallel to a comic panel that Gunn also shared.

Krypto arrives on screens in Superman this summer. Krypto was inspired by our dog Ozu, who we adopted shortly after I started writing Superman. 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… pic.twitter.com/zw8rVqv0n0— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 15, 2024

In some sweet context, Gunn also revealed that Krypto was inspired by his own dog Ozu. He and his wife, Peacemaker actress Jennifer Holland, adopted the dog shortly after Gunn started writing Superman, and Ozu "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," Gunn continued. "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."

He added that it's currently Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and included just a little tease of the Krypto will see in the movie, calling him a "not-so-good-good-boy."

Krypto has long been a integral part of Superman lore, making his first appearance Adventure Comics #210 all the way back in 1955, but, somewhat surprisingly, he's never featured in any of Superman's live-action films. He was, however, the star of 2022 animated film DC League of Super-Pets, where he was voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and has appeared in some live-action TV shows like Titans and Smallville.

Superman wrapped filming at the end of July, and is set to release on July 11, 2025. For more in the meantime, check out Gunn's recent update on the status of various DC projects.

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.