Director James Gunn has released new test footage giving fans an early glimpse of Krypto the Superdog, revealing the beloved canine’s digital transformation for the upcoming Superman film. As James Gunn reveals Krypto the Superdog in Superman test footage, this marks the dog’s first live-action appearance on the big screen alongside David Corenswet’s younger Superman, raising interest among DC Universe fans ahead of the movie’s July premiere.
Krypto Joins the DCU’s Expanding Roster in Superman’s New Era
When Superman arrives in theaters this July, audiences can expect to see several prominent DC characters making their live-action theatrical debuts. One of the most anticipated newcomers is Krypto the Superdog—Clark Kent’s childhood pet, who survived Krypton’s destruction. Krypto steps into a world populated by a cast that includes Wendell Pierce, Lois Lane brought to life by Rachel Brosnahan, human stars like Edi Gathegi, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Anthony Carrigan, Frank Grillo, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Skyler Gisondo. The narrative, while not centered on Superman’s origin, shifts focus to a more youthful Man of Steel (David Corenswet), balancing his relationship with Lois Lane and engaging in burgeoning rivalry with Lex Luthor, all while striving to maintain his heroic responsibilities. The addition of Krypto, a figure both loyal and powerful, signals a touching new dynamic for the iconic hero.
Krypto’s Transformation and the Creative Inspiration Behind It
James Gunn recently shared behind-the-scenes details in an Instagram post, showcasing a short video where Krypto receives some awkward affection from Robot #4 in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. The caption reads:
“Krypto isn’t impressed with 4’s petting abilities. Test footage from @framestore. #Superman.”
—James Gunn, Director
The footage reveals Krypto, portrayed on set by a real dog named Jolene, but finalized with computer-generated artistry. His digital form is a blend of creative vision and personal tribute: Krypto has been carefully designed to resemble James Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu. Gunn’s adoption of Ozu inspired the inclusion of the canine hero in the film and directly shaped Krypto’s new look.
Speaking on the DC Studios Showcase podcast, Gunn revealed how Ozu’s story left a mark on him:
“I adopted this dog. He was raised in a backyard with 60 other dogs, and he was in a hoarding situation. He didn’t know human beings at all.
I went to the rescue place to look at the dogs, and he was just sitting in a, literally, a pile of dogs.
He didn’t want anything to do with me, but I thought he looked funny because of the ear. And so I guess the part of me that likes funny dogs was like, ‘I want the one with the stupid ear.’ […]
And I brought him home. He wouldn’t let my wife, or I touch him. He spent all the time with our other dog, who he just was connected to. And then he proceeded to ruin everything in my house. Like, you know, he destroyed all of my furniture.
Every time there was any sort of thing that was vaguely an animal on TV, he would attack something in the room and tear it apart, like an anger-like attack. A pillow, because there’s a hyena on film. He ate… destroyed my laptop. He just, you know, chewed up my laptop. He chewed up all my shoes. And whenever I walked around the house barefoot, which I am always barefoot in my house, he would bite my feet as hard as he could. And I would have to be like, ‘Ah!’
You know, or I’d be on the phone with somebody, and I pace while I’m on the phone, and it’s like I can’t scream because I’m on the phone. So I’d have to get up on my kitchen counter and, like, cross my legs so that my dog couldn’t get to them. And then all of a sudden I’d look over, and there he is, you know, flying up and then attacking my feet.
And I couldn’t tell whether it was because he hated me or what. And I’m like, ‘Oh, what if that dog had superpowers?’”
—James Gunn, Director
This personal connection led to Krypto’s digital form borrowing many quirks and traits from Ozu. To translate this into film, Jolene served as the physical stand-in on set, while Framestore’s visual effects team re-imagined her, shifting her coloring to white and altering her features to match both Ozu and Krypto. Despite Jolene’s size difference and these major adjustments, the final digital Krypto manages to boldly straddle the line between lifelike and fantastical, avoiding the uncanny valley.
Casting Highlights and Their Roles in the New Superman Movie
Alongside Krypto and Superman, the upcoming film’s ensemble features David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman (also known as Kal-El), with Rachel Brosnahan portraying the tenacious reporter Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult steps into the shoes of classic villain Lex Luthor, while Edi Gathegi plays Michael Holt, better recognized as Mister Terrific. Other notable cast members include Frank Grillo, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Anthony Carrigan, Skyler Gisondo, and Wendell Pierce. Each brings their own layer of complexity to Superman’s story—especially as Clark’s relationships with Lois Lane and Lex Luthor become increasingly pivotal. The introduction of Krypto, grounded in James Gunn’s real-life bond with Ozu, adds texture and emotional resonance amid the high-stakes conflicts facing the Man of Steel.
The Scene: Krypto Meets Robot #4 in the Fortress of Solitude
In the newly released test footage, Krypto reluctantly accepts robotic pats from Robot #4, voiced by Alan Tudyk. The moment captures Robot #4’s stiff, awkward movements as he tries to engage Krypto, who remains unamused but does not retreat. Gunn’s interpretation frames Krypto as a mischievous but ultimately good-hearted canine, attempting to adjust to his unusual companions and environment. This dynamic may reflect Superman’s broader world, where he juggles complex alliances and faces unpredictable threats. The visuals also highlight Framestore’s achievements in digital rendering, with Krypto’s body language and facial expressions convincingly mirroring animal behavior even in a fantastical setting rife with advanced technology and otherworldly challenges.
The Impact of CGI and Gunn’s Vision for Krypto
The test footage has garnered attention for Krypto’s impressively realistic appearance despite being entirely CGI. Framestore took on the task of modifying Jolene’s performance to fully match Ozu’s unique traits, including expression, posture, and even color. These alterations, grounded in James Gunn’s affection for his dog, set Krypto apart from prior interpretations. Instead of a simple sidekick, this version of Krypto embodies both loyalty and the unpredictable energy Gunn described from Ozu’s behavior.
The creative process proved demanding, as Gunn and the visual effects artists aimed to bridge the gap between the real world and the superhero genre. Achieving convincing movement, emotion, and presence for a digital animal, especially in action-heavy sequences, posed unique challenges for the team. The resulting footage, with Krypto participating in flight and combat scenes, suggests that the film will push the boundaries for animal characters in superhero cinema.
Anticipation Mounts for Krypto’s Role in Superman’s Story
As excitement grows for Superman’s upcoming release, James Gunn’s decision to reveal Krypto the Superdog in Superman test footage has given fans a glimpse of what’s to come—a convincing blend of heartfelt inspiration and technical prowess. While Krypto’s test footage shows him hesitantly accepting attention from Robot #4, his on-screen presence hints at a larger narrative arc. According to the filmmakers, Krypto won’t just be comic relief or a passive companion; his character is set to take part in major action scenes, posing new visual and storytelling opportunities for the DCU.
The relationship between Superman and his superpowered pet is expected to add emotional depth and occasional levity amid the darker, more intense themes of the film. For now, the quality of Krypto’s animation and his believable demeanor stand as a testament to the careful consideration behind DC’s new era. As July approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how abruptly the DC Universe expands with Krypto joining the ranks of iconic screen heroes—a testament to James Gunn’s unique and personal approach to storytelling, and a new chapter for both the Man of Steel and his trusted companion.
