Krypto the Superdog is about to make his live-action debut in Superman: Legacy, and boy, has it stirred up some *ruff* waters. When James Gunn shared the first look at Superman’s loyal canine, fans were quick to comment. Some took issue with Krypto’s smaller, scruffier appearance, asking why he didn’t look like a Kryptonian Labrador or the more traditional superhero dog breed. One fan even remarked, “Isn’t Krypto supposed to be a Labrador?” Gunn’s response? Classic and direct—he posted a comic panel where Krypto looked just like the one in his movie. But beyond the aesthetic debate, there’s more to Krypto’s story than meets the eye.
Krypto’s Real-Life Inspiration
The backstory behind this version of Krypto adds some heart to the tale. Gunn revealed that Krypto’s design was inspired by his own dog, Ozu, a scruffy rescue pup. After being adopted from a hoarding situation with 60 other dogs, Ozu had some major behavioural issues, and let’s just say, he wasn’t the easiest pet. As Gunn shared on social media, “He destroyed our shoes, furniture, and even ate my laptop.” This chaotic energy made him think: “What if Krypto had superpowers?” That spark of inspiration led to Krypto becoming a key part of the Superman: Legacy story, changing the shape of the script as Ozu changed Gunn’s life. It’s an endearing touch that shows how much personal passion Gunn is pouring into the film.
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
Superman: Legacy – A New Chapter in the DCU
Krypto isn’t the only thing that’s changing in Gunn’s reboot of the DCU. Superman: Legacy will be the first major feature under the banner of “DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” The film is set to release on July 11, 2025, and will serve as the cornerstone for Gunn and Peter Safran’s new vision for DC, leaving behind the darker tones of Zack Snyder’s DCEU.
While Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel depicted a more isolated and brooding Superman, Gunn’s version is about balance—between Superman’s Kryptonian heritage and his human upbringing. It’s not about the alienation of being from another planet, but about how Clark Kent embraces both parts of himself. It’s a lighter, more optimistic take on the Man of Steel, which feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air for the franchise.
A Star-Studded Cast for Superman: Legacy
Superman: Legacy boasts a strong ensemble cast, with David Corenswet as the new Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan taking on the role of Lois Lane. But Gunn isn’t stopping there—he’s introducing an entire DCU roster in this movie, setting the stage for a broader, interconnected universe. Here are some of the other big names fans can look forward to:
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor – Hoult’s version is inspired by classic comic takes on the character, which should offer a fresh, calculating take on Superman’s greatest enemy.
- Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner – Sporting the character’s iconic bowl cut, Fillion’s Guy Gardner promises to bring some levity and toughness to the role.
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl – A warrior who will add action-packed sequences and a new layer of heroism to the story.
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific – The brilliant inventor and hero who adds both intelligence and strength to the ensemble.
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho – His ability to transmute his body into different elements is sure to lead to some visually stunning sequences.
Differences from Zack Snyder’s Superman
Fans of the DCEU’s darker, moodier take on Superman will find that Superman: Legacy goes in a very different direction. Snyder’s Superman was an outsider, constantly grappling with his place in the world. Gunn, on the other hand, is focused on a Superman who embraces his dual heritage—Kryptonian and human. It’s not about alienation; it’s about finding the balance between the two worlds and learning to thrive in both.
Another key difference is that Gunn’s Superman exists in a world already populated by superheroes. From Green Lantern to Hawkgirl, Superman won’t be the first hero to make headlines in this universe, and that changes the dynamic considerably. Gunn’s interconnected approach also gives him the flexibility to weave these characters into future projects across films, TV, and even video games, creating a larger, cohesive DC Universe.
Krypto’s Role in Superman: Legacy
Back to Krypto. While the Superdog may have started as a point of contention among some fans, his inclusion adds emotional depth to the film. Krypto’s playful yet powerful presence reflects Superman’s own journey of balancing his incredible abilities with his humanity. And let’s face it—who doesn’t love a good boy with superpowers? It’s also worth noting that Krypto has been a beloved part of the DC universe since his first appearance in 1955’s Adventure Comics, so seeing him finally brought to life on the big screen is a momentous occasion for long-time fans.
What Fans Can Expect from Superman: Legacy
With Superman: Legacy, James Gunn is clearly aiming to reinvigorate the DCU, balancing hope, humor, and heart in ways that haven’t been done since Christopher Reeve first donned the cape. From Krypto’s heart-warming backstory to a cast that’s as varied as it is exciting, this movie is shaping up to be a fresh take on Superman—one that embraces his humanity as much as his Kryptonian roots. Expect action, emotion, and yes, probably a few moments where Superman’s superpowered dog steals the show.
So mark your calendars for July 11, 2025, because this is more than just another Superman movie—this is the beginning of a new era for DC. If you’re a fan of Superman, Krypto, or just a good story, this is one movie you won’t want to miss.
