Filmmaker James Gunn revealed in a new behind-the-scenes video how his experience with a rescue dog led to the creation of Superman’s superpowered canine companion, Krypto. During the production of Suicide Squad, Gunn lost his dog Wesley and was hesitant to welcome another pet for several years. Eventually, he visited a rescue center where he encountered a small, frightened dog with one ear standing upright.
Upon bringing the dog, named Ozu, into his home, Gunn experienced firsthand the pup’s disruptive energy.
I thought, what if this awful, terrible, maniac dog had superpowers?
he said. This idea inspired the character of Krypto, blending the dog’s unruly personality with heroic qualities.
How Ozu Modeled the Character of Krypto
The behind-the-scenes clip also features discussions between Gunn and the visual effects team, highlighting how Ozu’s personality influenced Krypto’s movements and behavior, including his habit of biting feet. Gunn previously explained to The New York Times that Ozu was uncomfortable with the 3-D scanning process used to create the digital model.
He has to stand on this table and then there’s a globe of cameras all the way around him. They take pictures and we kind of move him around a little bit and it gets every angle of him.
Krypto’s Role in the Film and Clark Kent’s Character Development
Introducing Krypto as a mischievous, flying dog at the start of the film establishes a playful tone for the new DC Universe under Gunn’s direction. More importantly, the interaction between Superman and Krypto serves as a window into Clark Kent’s personality. Gunn said to The New York Times,
He is such a compassionate person or, you know, Superman, that he’s worried about the dog being scared,
adding,
That’s the thing that upsets him: The dog is scared. And we’ve only seen the dog give him grief. I think it’s really important that Superman is tuned into his own sense of compassion in that way.
Superman’s concern for Krypto’s fear reveals his empathetic nature and helps the audience connect with a more nuanced take on the iconic hero. For those interested, the film recently became available to buy or rent on the Apple TV app after its theatrical run.
