Krypto’s Wild Origin in James Gunn’s Superman Movie

When you think “Superdog,” you probably imagine a loyal, cape-wearing mutt flying alongside Superman with perfect manners and golden retriever vibes. But James Gunn said, “Nah, let’s base him on my unhinged rescue dog who bit my feet, ate my laptop, and tried to murder my TV.” That’s not a joke. That’s the origin story of Krypto the Superdog in Superman (2025).

So before Krypto’s CGI paws ever hit the Fortress of Solitude, before he zapped villains with laser eyes or stole a scene from David Corenswet, he was just a scrappy, terrified dog named Ozu. And this is how James Gunn turned real-life chaos into cinematic gold.

The Real Krypto: Meet Ozu, Gunn’s Four-Legged Menace

Krypto didn’t come from Krypton. He came from a rescue shelter.

James Gunn met Ozu, a skittish, skinny dog with one ear permanently sticking up, in a kennel full of louder, friendlier pups. While others barked for attention, Ozu cowered in the corner, terrified of everyone. Naturally, Gunn said: “That one.”

What followed was a canine horror movie. Ozu didn’t trust humans. He didn’t care for rules. He didn’t even like floors. He:

Bit Gunn’s feet while he was on the phone (forcing him to sit on countertops)
Jumped onto the countertops to keep biting
Destroyed every pair of shoes in the house
Ate Gunn’s laptop

“What if this terrible, maniac dog had superpowers? We’d be in real trouble.” , James Gunn

Boom. Krypto was born.

How Ozu Became Krypto in the DCU

Gunn didn’t just use Ozu as inspiration, he literally put him in the movie. Sort of.

Ozu wasn’t trained or obedient enough for live action. He wasn’t Lassie. He wasn’t even Clifford. But he was a personality. So Gunn brought Ozu into the studio, scanned him in 3D, made him white, and scaled him up into Krypto. That’s right, the CGI model of Krypto is based entirely on a rescue dog who hated furniture.

The actual performance, however, came from a seasoned canine actor named Jolene, “every kind of respectable,” according to Gunn. Jolene provided the movement and mannerisms. But the attitude? That was 100 percent Ozu.

Krypto’s Role in the Film: Not Just Comic Relief

Krypto isn’t a punchline. He’s the first emotional beat in Superman (2025).

We meet him when Superman is at his lowest, injured, alone, and in danger. And in comes Krypto, this rowdy, annoying dog who refuses to let him wallow. The moment isn’t just funny. It’s touching. This isn’t just Superman’s pet, it’s his last tether to hope, playfulness, and the belief that things can still be good.

It’s Gunn doing what he does best: blending absurdity with heart.

And Krypto has powers too, oh, he’s got powers. Flight, heat vision, super strength. Basically, imagine a toddler with zero discipline and all of Superman’s abilities. A flying, furniture-shredding nightmare that happens to love his dad.

Comic Krypto vs. Movie Krypto

In the comics, Krypto’s been around since 1955. He’s usually portrayed as Superman’s loyal companion from Krypton, with an almost golden retriever-esque temperament. That version’s cute, but a little too safe.

James Gunn’s version? Not safe. This Krypto is unpredictable, chaotic, and a little dangerous. He’s not there to fetch the Daily Planet. He’s there to push boundaries and beam down baddies with red-hot laser eyes. He’s the anti-Lassie. And fans are going to love him for it.

Krypto Is About to Be Everyone’s Favorite Superpet

Krypto isn’t an afterthought. He’s not just for the kids. He’s the surprise MVP of a movie packed with iconic characters and epic action. And his real-life origin makes him even better.

So when Superman (2025) drops in theaters this July, don’t just watch for the cape or the Kryptonian fight scenes. Watch for the dog that almost ended James Gunn’s home office, and ended up flying across the IMAX screen.

And if your rescue pup chews through your tech and terrorizes your living room? Who knows. Maybe they’re just waiting for their superhero moment too.