New images from the upcoming DC Universe film Superman revealed Krypto the Superdog, and director James Gunn’s history with animals has me incredibly excited for the next film. Having done the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, and after focusing on Rocket Raccoon’s origin and connections, James Gunn has clearly demonstrated proficiency in creating incredible characters, human and otherwise. After this, I can’t wait to see how Krypto fits into the newest Man of Steel story.
Krypto recently made his big screen debut in 2022 as part of the cast of DC League of Super-Petswhere Dwayne Johnson voiced him. For some time, it seemed that Johnson wanted to have a fundamental role in shaping the DC Universe between this and Black Adam, which was leading up to a battle with Henry Cavill’s Superman. Following the restructuring of DC Studios under co-CEOs Peter Safran and James Gunn, management has changed and it is certain that Johnson will not return to voice Krypto in the new film.
James Gunn has a history of writing great animal characters into his films
From Scooby-Doo to Guardians Vol. 3
James Gunn has created several excellent animal characters in his films, which I believe is an excellent testament to his Krypto plans. This goes back to Scooby-Dooa project he wrote that created an excellent version of the famous dog. He has since followed this path at Marvel, humanizing Rocket Raccoon and his friends, including Floor and Teefs, and even at DC, where he turned King Shark into one of the most compelling characters in The Suicide Squad. Gunn clearly knows how to build great characters from any component.
Since Krypto doesn’t speak English, perhaps the most analogous character in Gunn’s story is Groot. Groot is an entity with a limited vocabulary who is still capable of producing an attractive and emotional character.. Krypto, like Groot, will be limited in what he can say, as it has been confirmed that the character will only bark, not talk. Fortunately, James Gunn has clearly shown his creativity and how easily he can turn Krypto into a believable character, no matter how humanized he is or isn’t.
James Gunn’s Inspiration Convinced Me Superman’s Krypto Will Be Great
Krypto is based on Ozu, James Gunn’s own dog
In James Gunn’s announcement post, he revealed the inspiration behind Krypto in the film: Krypto was largely modeled after Ozu, a rescue dog that Gunn took in while writing the script. In his Instagram post, Gunn explained his relationship with his dog and how the beauty and struggles of that made it into the film. This shows me that the connection between Superman and his dog will be sweet and touching, with a lot of relatability in their relationship.
Gunn previously talked about how Rocket Raccoon was the Guardians of the Galaxy character most like him, and this allowed him to inject a lot of humanity into the unusual creature. Following this model, It seems likely that Gunn will bring much of his own experience in the same way to the relationship between Krypto and Superman.. Seeing the two share a beautiful relationship across the DC Universe is an exciting prospect that fits the tone that Superman promises to carry.
Why Krypto Is Perfect for James Gunn’s Superman Movie
The inclusion of Superman’s dog makes for an uplifting tone
The DC Universe begins with “Gods and Monsters,” a chapter that hints at enormous and powerful forces in the universe. However, James Gunn has a clear history of humanizing characters of enormous size and scale in his films, and there is clearly an intention to build a hopeful and relatable Superman in the next film. Using Clark’s relationship with his dog, Krypto, is a perfect way to do this. This makes for a lighter tone and relationship, while also being able to take on huge, outsized forces in the larger universe.
Much of the darkness of Henry Cavill’s Superman wouldn’t make sense in an uplifting take on the DC Universe that hopes to unite all facets of comic book history. While there is certainly darkness in this new universe, it appears that Superman it will be a much more positive experience. I believe Krypto is the perfect way to differentiate this vision of Superman. James Gunn’s story also shows that this will be handled carefully and effectively in the next film.
I can’t wait Superman to be released, and I’m excited for any other weird news and revelations we get before it hits theaters. Little teases like this clearly show that the film will be an unusual take on the superhero mythos and that it will feel fresh, interesting, and exciting.. Krypto embodies much of the kindness and kindness I expected in a Superman film for a while now, and I can’t wait to see her relationship with the Man of Steel finally come to fruition on the big screen.
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