James Gunn’s recent remarks about the upcoming Supergirl film have sparked concerns for fans of Krypto, the iconic superhero dog. Set for release in June 2026, this DC Universe (DCU) movie promises a darker and more intense tone than previous installments, raising questions about Krypto’s fate in the storyline.
A New Direction for Supergirl’s Story in the DC Universe
The Supergirl movie, which will follow the release of Superman, is directed by Craig Gillespie with Ana Nogueira involved in the project. It is based on the acclaimed 2021 miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, created by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, which featured an intense plot where Krypto sustains serious injuries during an attack by the villain Krem of the Yellow Hills.
The film’s cast includes Milly Alcock portraying Kara Zor-El, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem, Eve Ridley as Ruth Marye Knoll, David Krumholtz playing Zor-El, Emily Beecham as Alura In-Ze, and Jason Momoa making an appearance as Lobo. The movie will debut in theaters across the United States on June 26, 2026.
James Gunn’s Commentary on the Film’s Tone and Krypto’s Role
During the Superman press tour, stars María Gabriela de Faría and Sara Sampaio revealed that a scene showing Ultraman attacking Krypto was cut after poor test audience reactions. When quizzed by RollingStone about whether the Supergirl movie would retain Krypto’s comic book storylines or soften the darker moments for broader audiences, Gunn emphasized that the film would take a different approach.
“Remember, this is a different movie than Supergirl. Supergirl is a way more rock & roll film. It’s a little bit rougher, in certain ways. She’s a tougher character. She’s not Superman at all. And so it’s not the same. This movie really is for everybody. And so is Supergirl, but it’s a little bit edgier in some ways than this film. Mind you, I’ve seen all the dailies, but I haven’t seen the cut. I see it next week, I think. So I’m very excited about that.”
—James Gunn, Director
Expectations for a Harder-Hitting Supergirl Experience
Gunn’s description highlights that the Supergirl movie will explore a grittier narrative, distinguishing Kara Zor-El’s character from the traditional Superman archetype. This shift in tone, combined with the source material’s story involving Krypto’s injury, suggests that fans may witness more serious and potentially darker developments than previously seen in DCU family-friendly films.
With the film’s release approaching, anticipation is building around how these elements will translate on screen and what the implications will be for Krypto’s character, as well as the broader narrative of Supergirl’s journey within the DC universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still matters a lot to him. However, he also describes himself as being somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. Gunn collaborated with Marvel Studios on the Guardians of the Galaxy series before becoming co-CEO of DC Studios in 2022. Prior to this role, he directed The Suicide Squad (2021) for DC. This happened after his temporary dismissal from Marvel, before he was rehired for Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The revamped CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman film was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and often talks about how prayer remains important to him. However, he also describes himself as being “somewhat against religion” in certain ways.
