The DC Universe currently has only two projects confirmed as canon, according to James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios. He recently addressed whether the new animated shorts featuring Krypto the Superdog fit into the official DCU timeline. Gunn clarified that these shorts, including the first one titled Krypto Saves the Day!, are not part of the DCU canon despite their visual connection to the Superman reboot overseen by DC Studios.
Details on the Krypto Shorts and Upcoming DCU Releases
Krypto Saves the Day! is the first of four planned animated shorts and is available as a bonus feature on the digital release of the Superman film. With Gunn’s statement, it is clear that only Creature Commandos and Superman are currently confirmed canon projects, with the eagerly awaited second season of Peacemaker set to join them soon.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate three more confirmed DCU productions expected in 2026: Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface. Notably, the character Krypto will appear in Supergirl, which stars Milly Alcock. Alcock made her DCU debut as the Girl of Steel at the conclusion of the Superman film, where she visited the Fortress of Solitude and took custody of Krypto from her cousin Kal-El, also known as Superman.
Upcoming Productions and Projects Outside the DCU Canon
Production will begin next year on James Gunn’s follow-up to Superman as well as on a yet-to-be-announced mystery show. Meanwhile, The Batman Part II is slated to start filming in early 2026. While Robert Pattinson will return as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Matt Reeves will direct once again, this sequel, like the Krypto shorts, is not included within the official DCU canon.
Krypto Saves the Day! remains available through the digital release of Superman and will also be included in the home video versions of the film, set to launch on September 23, 2025.
Impact and Expectations for the DC Universe Moving Forward
James Gunn’s reassurance about the boundaries of the official DCU canon helps clarify the status of various related projects and sets clearer expectations for fans. With the core DCU lineup solidifying around a focused slate of series and films, viewers can anticipate a more streamlined narrative. The exclusion of the Krypto shorts from canon suggests that these playful animated features serve more as supplementary content rather than integral parts of the overarching storyline.
The upcoming releases, particularly those starring Milly Alcock and continuing the stories of key characters like Superman and Batman, will shape the next phase of the DC Universe, offering fans a coherent yet expanding world to explore.
“No. I love ’em tho,”
” —James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO
