Superman’s dog, Krypto, is far from an ordinary pet, possessing extraordinary powers similar to those of Kal-El and Kara Zor-El. However, according to James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and director of the new Superman film, Krypto cannot be introduced to normal humans because of his uncontrollable behavior. Gunn explained this recently during a fan interaction, revealing the challenges that come with Krypto’s immense strength and excitement.
James Gunn Explains Krypto’s Dangerous Nature
On the platform Threads, a fan asked about how Clark Kent would introduce Krypto to other people, pointing out that the dog’s name already hints at Clark’s extraterrestrial origins. Gunn responded plainly, saying,
“Our Krypto can’t meet people like that because he might tear them apart,”
—James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-Head. The comment highlights how Krypto’s enthusiastic energy could unintentionally cause injury, even without any malevolent intent.
Krypto is portrayed as an excitable dog whose strength is beyond typical dog capacity. For instance, early in the Superman movie, Krypto jumps onto Superman with such force that it causes the hero physical pain. Gunn suggests that if Krypto were to greet ordinary people with the same enthusiasm, their safety would be at risk, as most humans lack the durability of Superman or Supergirl.
Krypto’s Role in the Superman Film
This live-action adaptation marks Krypto’s first appearance on screen outside of animated or comic mediums. The dog features prominently in Superman’s marketing, including the initial teaser trailer released late last year. Rather than merely being a companion, Krypto actively assists Kal-El during battles and helps protect the Fortress of Solitude, especially when Lex Luthor and his allies attempt to infiltrate it.
Despite Krypto’s active role, Gunn had to remove a particular scene from the film where Ultraman strikes the dog. Test audiences reacted strongly to this moment, prompting the cut to maintain viewer comfort. This demonstrates how emotional and crucial Krypto’s character is to the story and its audience.
Krypto’s Connection to Kara Zor-El and Future Appearances
At the film’s conclusion, it is revealed that Krypto actually belongs to Kara Zor-El, who left him on Earth in Kal-El’s care while she travels to other planets for leisure. This brief setup hints at Krypto’s potential involvement in the forthcoming Supergirl movie, scheduled for release next summer, suggesting his story will continue to expand in the DC Universe.
Challenges of Integrating a Superpowered Dog Into Society
Gunn emphasizes that Krypto’s potential to cause harm is not due to aggression but stems from his overexcited nature. The dog, much like large, boisterous pets, does not understand his own strength or how vulnerable normal humans are. Because of this, Krypto remains isolated within the Fortress of Solitude, where he does not pose a risk to everyday people.
This creates a bittersweet situation because despite his unruly behavior, Krypto deserves affection and companionship like any other dog. Gunn’s remarks imply that with appropriate training, Krypto might possibly learn to control his strength and emotional outbursts, making it safer for him to interact with normal humans in the future.
Looking Ahead to Krypto’s Character Development
As the DC Universe continues to unfold, it will be interesting to observe how Krypto’s character evolves. While Kara Zor-El’s carefree personality might not encourage much discipline, future encounters with Kal-El or other heroes might lead to new ways of managing Krypto’s energy and powers. This development could allow Krypto to transition from a solitary guardian to a more social and integrated member of the superhero community.
James Gunn’s vision for Krypto, the Superman dog, adds depth to the character and highlights the complexities of having superpowers, even in pets. Fans can look forward to seeing how Krypto’s story intertwines with upcoming DC projects and if he will eventually find a way to safely engage with the world beyond the Fortress of Solitude.
