For fans eagerly awaiting James Gunn’s 2025 film Superman, there’s a heartwarming secret behind the hero’s loyal canine companion, Krypto.
He was inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu!
Adopted shortly after Gunn began scripting Superman, Ozu was far from a typical pet.
Coming from a hoarding situation with 60 other dogs, he had no prior human interaction and was initially “terrible, uncontrollable.”
Ozu’s early days with Gunn were a whirlwind of destruction.
He chewed through furniture, even a laptop, and resisted human touch.
Yet, it was this very chaos that sparked a brilliant idea in Gunn’s mind: “What if he had superpowers?
We’d be screwed.” This playful thought became the foundation for the cinematic Krypto, adding an “unusual aspect” that made the script incredibly fun to write.
Ozu’s influence didn’t stop at the storyline.
He became the literal visual model for Krypto.
Filmmakers captured Ozu’s body, using it as a blueprint for the animated Krypto, simply changing the fur color.
Hundreds of video references of Ozu’s unique antics, from his playful energy to his occasional feistiness, were meticulously studied to bring Krypto’s personality to life on screen.
Despite his challenging beginnings, Ozu has made incredible progress since his adoption, now enjoying playful interactions with Gunn’s 13-year-old cat, Emily.
This charming tale of a rescue dog inspiring a superhero dog highlights the profound impact our pets have on our lives and imaginations.
Audiences can witness Ozu’s spirit take flight as Krypto when Superman hits theaters on July 11th.