James Gunn’s Proven Masters at Handling Krypto’s Challenging Role

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Summary

  • Superman introducing Krypto brings unique charm and abilities to the DC Universe.
  • Including Krypto may risk the film’s tone feeling cartoonish if not appropriately handled.
  • James Gunn’s past success with animal characters in Guardians of the Galaxy all but ensures Krypto will be well-executed.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must admit that the most intriguing part about James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film is something he’s already demonstrated to be a master of. The new Superman, played by David Corenswet, will appear in this highly anticipated film, marking the start of the DC Universe (DCU) – a fresh lineup of movie and TV projects from DC Studios, which I, along with Peter Safran, took charge of in 2022. Our vision for the DCU kicked off with the animated series Creature Commandos, and it will extend to Superman, Peacemaker season 2, the Lanterns series, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and many more projects yet to be announced.

Trailers for Superman showcase the expansive galaxy of characters that Gunn is constructing, with Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Metallo, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl among them. A unique aspect of this live-action comic book movie is the inclusion of Superman’s dog, Krypto. Although Krypto might win hearts globally, some worry about its impact on the film’s atmosphere. However, Gunn has demonstrated his skill in dealing with Krypto in the upcoming Superman production.

With The Release Of Superman, James Gunn Is Introducing Krypto Into The DC Universe

Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, initially appeared in Action Comics issue 210 back in 1955. His story began when Superman’s Kryptonian father tested an evacuation pod meant for Kal-El by using a dog instead. This test flight veered off course, causing the pod to drift through space for years before eventually landing on Earth. Coincidentally, this was exactly where Kal-El (now a teenage Clark Kent) had settled. Clark took Krypto in, and it turned out that this stray dog possessed powers similar to Superman’s – he could fly, was invulnerable, had heat vision, super senses, and incredible strength. Not only was Krypto intelligent enough to understand human interactions, but in some versions, like the animated series ‘Krypto the Superdog‘, he even demonstrated the ability to communicate using a communicator device.

In the movie called “DC League of Super-Pets”, Krypto was the main character who could talk with other super animals like Ace, Batman’s dog. Even though humans and other heroes in the film couldn’t hear them talking, it provided viewers an insight into Krypto’s special abilities. Interestingly, this powerful canine has not been brought to life on screen in a live-action Superman movie before. With the DC Universe aiming to be distinct from previous adaptations, incorporating Krypto offers something fresh and new for audiences that they haven’t experienced yet.

Adapting Krypto Could Be Problematic For Superman In More Ways Than One

Adding Krypto to the mix brings challenges in making a comic book character suitable for movie viewers, as Superman might seem too cartoonish with a lively dog companion. Many might worry about how Krypto’s presence could affect the narrative. Previous versions had Krypto going by the name Skip while disguised as the Kent family’s pet dog, sometimes sporting a patch on his back to blend with Superman when in costume. However, these elements could seem overly cheesy if not executed effectively or included carelessly in the storyline.

In the DC Comics saga known as “The Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Krypto was eliminated from existence. Later stories, such as the New 52, placed him in the Negative Zone and then moved him among various heroes. There was a brief period where Krypto returned to being an ordinary dog without powers. The frequent changes in Krypto’s storyline suggest that writers may struggle with how to use the character effectively, viewing him more as a bother than a crucial component of Superman’s narrative. This same issue could potentially arise when adapting Krypto for live-action.

Previously, trailers have depicted him rescuing Superman in dire straits, demonstrating his extraordinary powers in an appropriate movie setting. Krypto could potentially contribute emotionally to the film, raising the stakes. However, the glimpses provided hint at Krypto as a faithful super-dog, with numerous aspects of his tale yet to be revealed.

James Gunn Has Already Proven He’s The Man To Bring Krypto To Life

Director Gunn has revealed that Krypto’s character was inspired by his own pet dog. Over the course of the Guardians of the Galaxy series, he has demonstrated a knack for creating believable and emotional animal characters. For instance, Rocket, a raccoon who could walk upright and speak, became one of Marvel’s most moving emotional stories in the third film. The movie filled in Rocket’s background, shedding light on the harsh treatment he and his fellow animal companions experienced during experiments. Gunn’s portrayal of animals earned him an accolade from PETA, who named him their Person of the Year in 2023.

Among the characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy films, it’s Cosmo who best represents James Gunn’s talent for bringing Krypto-like characters to life. Cosmo is a canine character with a backstory that isn’t fully explored; she was initially a Soviet space experiment. Interestingly, Gunn chose to portray Cosmo as female instead of male, which added an intriguing twist. Initially introduced in the first Guardians film, Cosmo had a more significant appearance in the special holiday episode, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Cosmo is expected to play a more substantial role within the team, utilizing her telekinetic abilities and officially joining the Guardians.

In my humble opinion, Cosmo shines brilliantly in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” brought to life with tender care and looking every bit the ordinary canine that doesn’t feel out of place while wielding his extraordinary abilities. Initially introduced as a secondary character, Cosmo is now primed to take center stage should the Guardians grace our screens again within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As for Krypto, we may not hear him speak in the upcoming “Superman,” but with James Gunn’s proven ability to animate semi-anthropomorphic animal characters, I have no doubt that this superpowered pooch will enchant audiences just as the Guardians did. Some fans might worry about how Krypto could alter the mood and essence of “Superman,” but after witnessing Cosmo in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” I’m convinced that this canine sensation will be a hit with everyone.

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2025-06-05 19:15