James Gunn has a profound affection for outcasts — particularly those with fur. As he gears up to unveil Superman, the inaugural feature in his newly established DC Universe, he is set to introduce viewers to an unconventional hero: Krypto the Superdog. Indeed, he dons a cape, possesses the ability to soar through the skies, and Gunn is fully aware of how absurd that may seem. However, if there’s anyone capable of making such a concept resonate, it’s the visionary who brought audiences to tears over a genetically engineered raccoon. “Rocket prepared the world for Krypto,” Gunn remarked, referencing Guardians of the Galaxy standout Rocket Raccoon, a character he wrote and directed across a trilogy of Marvel films. He candidly acknowledged that writing Krypto proved to be a simpler task:
“Krypto is significantly more relatable than Rocket, as Krypto is merely a superpowered dog. He’s just a mischievous dog, which mirrors my own pet. Therefore, he’s incredibly enjoyable and straightforward to write.”
Rocket was far more than just another animated sidekick for Gunn — he held profound personal significance for the director, consistently being his favorite character. In fact, Gunn returned to Guardians of the Galaxy solely to conclude what he viewed as Rocket’s narrative arc.
“The most crucial aspect for me was Rocket’s narrative, and then, subsequently, everyone else,” Gunn expressed at the time. “Rocket serves as the hidden protagonist of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and he has always been central to my vision, and this is truly fulfilling that. My motivation for returning and deciding to make this film came from my genuine belief that Rocket’s journey needed to be told – and it was left unresolved after Vol 2.”
Krypto Unlocks the Essence of ‘Superman’
Gunn asserts that Krypto was the essential element in shaping the overall tone of Superman. “The initial scene of the movie was the very first thing I penned, featuring Krypto approaching Superman amidst the snowfall and guiding him home,” he explained. “That moment truly encapsulated the essence of the entire film.” From that single scene, the entire narrative flourished: the fortress, the robots, and the retro-futuristic science fiction inspired by All-Star Superman.
“It’s a flying dog in a cape, yet that concept swiftly led to extensive world-building,” Gunn elaborated. “Incorporating all of these elements into a Superman film in a manner that hasn’t been explored previously — that’s what made this endeavor thrilling.”
Superman is set to make its theatrical debut on July 11, 2025. Keep an eye on Collider for the latest updates and insights.
Source: Rolling Stone
