James Gunn, known for his directorial work on the 2025 Superman movie, recently shared a heartwarming story about how his rescue dog, Ozu, inspired the creation of Krypto the Dog in the film. Gunn, who adopted Ozu while working on the superhero project, revealed that his mischievous yet lovable pup played a significant role in shaping the character of Krypto on screen.
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In a special feature for National Bring Your Dog to Work Day, Gunn opened up about the origins of Krypto, Superman’s faithful canine companion in the upcoming movie. Drawing parallels between his own pet and the superhero dog, Gunn fondly reminisced about Ozu’s playful yet destructive nature, which sparked the idea of a superpowered pooch wreaking havoc in their home.
According to Gunn, Ozu’s challenging background as a rescue dog from a hoarding situation added depth to Krypto’s character development in the Superman script. The director shared a touching anecdote about Ozu’s journey from a timid, distrusting pup to becoming the visual and behavioural inspiration for Krypto on screen. Both dogs share physical traits and playful antics that brought Krypto to life in the movie.
Gunn, in a social media post from October 2024, previously hinted at Ozu’s influence on the creation of Krypto, detailing the initial struggles of integrating the rescue dog into their family. Despite Ozu’s rocky start, his transformation into a beloved and cherished member of the household had a profound impact on Gunn’s storytelling process for Superman.
The director expressed gratitude for Ozu’s role in shaping Krypto’s character arc, highlighting how the rescue dog’s energy and spirit infused the superhero dog with authenticity on screen. Ozu’s signature bark and playful interactions with Gunn’s family members, including their cat Emily, provided a blueprint for Krypto’s endearing behaviour in the film.
As Superman gears up for its theatrical release, audiences can look forward to seeing Ozu’s playful nature mirrored in Krypto’s on-screen presence. Gunn’s personal connection to his rescue dog shines through in the portrayal of Superman’s loyal companion, adding a heartfelt dimension to the superhero narrative.
Through Ozu’s journey from a troubled past to a beloved inspiration for a Hollywood blockbuster, Gunn showcases the transformative power of rescue animals and the profound bond between pets and their owners. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of Superman, they can witness the real-life story of Ozu mirrored in the fantastical adventures of Krypto on the big screen.
In celebrating the unique bond between man and man’s best friend, James Gunn’s tribute to Ozu serves as a reminder of the impact that rescue animals can have on our lives and creative endeavours. As Superman takes flight with Krypto by his side, it is clear that some heroes truly do have four legs and a wagging tail.