Krypto, the caped canine in the new Superman film, may be computer-generated—but his inspiration is very real.
Director James Gunn told The New York Times that Krypto’s design was modeled after his own rescue dog, Ozu. To create the 3D version of the super-dog, Ozu was placed on a platform surrounded by cameras that captured every angle of his body—an experience Gunn admitted the dog “despised.” The visual effects team behind Guardians of the Galaxy’s Rocket Raccoon contributed to Krypto’s creation.
Many of Krypto’s on-screen movements were also inspired by home videos of Ozu playing with Gunn’s cat. For instance, the scene where Krypto enthusiastically jumps on Superman was based on that real-life footage.
Gunn adopted Ozu, a mutt rescued from a hoarding situation involving 60 other dogs, just as he began writing Superman. In a social media post, he reflected on the early challenges: Ozu destroyed furniture, chewed shoes—and even ate Gunn’s laptop. Despite the chaos, the dog became a source of inspiration.
“I remember thinking, ‘How difficult would life be if Ozu had superpowers?’” Gunn wrote. “And thus, Krypto came into the script and changed the shape of the story as Ozu was changing my life.”
Though unruly, Krypto ultimately mirrors Ozu’s journey—from a misfit to a hero—serving as a playful counterbalance to David Corenswet’s composed Superman.
Toward the film’s end, it’s revealed that Supergirl, played by Sirens star Milly Alcock, is Krypto’s original owner. She had left him in Superman’s care while off exploring space. With Alcock leading a Supergirl solo film now in post-production, fans can expect Krypto’s next heroic chapter soon.
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