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James Gunn’s Superman is one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer, having earned over $125 million in its opening weekend. But for all the charm of the titular hero, played by David Corenswet, his canine co-star, Krypto, has been stealing the show. Throughout the movie, the cute pooch proves to be a fantastic companion and friend. That’s probably why he has led to a 500% rise in interest in dog adoption, per dog training app Woofz.
“We analyzed Google search trends following the premiere and found something heartwarming: Superman’s Krypto the Superdog has sparked a dog adoption boom,” writes the company. “Google searches for ‘adopt a dog near me’ jumped by +513% after the premiere weekend, and ‘rescue dog adoption near me’ rose by +163%. Searches for ‘adopt a puppy’ also increased by +31%.” The company also reports that searches for “adopt a schnauzer,” a breed that resembles Krypto, are up 299%, as well.
This boom in interest is all the more adorable considering that this version of Krypto is based on Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu. The New York Times reports that the director adopted the terrier mutt and Schnauzer mix while he was writing the film. Struggling to train Ozu, Gunn thought it would be much worse if his new dog had superpowers, inspiring the unruly, disheveled version of Krypto that we see in Superman, as opposed of the more poised, Labrador Retriever-looking versions that appear in other media, like the recent DC League of Super-Pets (2022).
On top of serving as the main inspiration, Ozu was also the physical model for the CGI Krypto. Gunn wanted Krypto to resemble Ozu as closely as possible, resulting in him being subject to a 3D scan, switching his gray fluff to white fur. The shenanigans are his too, as Gunn has revealed that the visuals of him jumping over Superman in the film’s opening sequence are based on footage of Ozu playing with his cat. On set, it was a white-furred pooch named Jolene who took Krypto’s place to help the team figure out the lighting.
For Gunn, the fact that Krypto can be rowdy, makes his loyalty even more important. In turn, the concept that Superman cares so much for him despite his behavior is the greatest symbol of the superhero’s compassion. Chances are this sort of unconditional love is what audiences are hoping to find by welcoming their very own Krypto into their lives. Regarding the surge in adoptions, Gunn says, “This film has been a barrage of blessings for me: this one may be the greatest. Ozu has no idea any of this is happening but, if he did, he’d be proud.”
To stay up to date with Ozu and the director, follow James Gunn on Instagram.
Dog training app Woofz reports that Krypto, Superman’s canine friend in the new film, has led to a 500% rise in interest in dog adoption.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
This boom is all the more adorable considering that this version of Krypto is based on Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
On set, it was a white-furred pooch named Jolene that took Krypto’s place to help the team figure out the lighting.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
On top of serving as the main inspiration, Ozu was also the physical model for the CGI Krypto.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
For Gunn, the fact that Krypto can be rowdy, makes his loyalty even more important.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Regarding the surge in adoptions, Gunn says, “This film has been a barrage of blessings for me: this one may be the greatest. Ozu has no idea any of this is happening but, if he did, he’d be proud.”
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
James Gunn: Instagram
Sources: James Gunn on Instagram; James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Leads to More Than 500% Surge in Dog Adoption Interest, Thanks to Krypto; Adopting an Older Dog: Pros and Cons; What Superman’s Pet Owes to a Badly Behaved Rescue Dog; ‘Superman’ Soars to $125 Million, Third-Biggest Box Office Opening Weekend of 2025
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