Summary

Superman marks the first film in James Gunn's DC Universe & includes classic characters like Lois Lane & Lex Luthor.
Gunn shared the first official photo of Superman and Krypto the Superdog, honoring the real-life inspiration behind Krypto.
While some fans are divided on the lighter tone of Gunn's Superman, the director may adjust tones for different DC projects.

Superman director James Gunn revealed the first official photo of a fan-favorite character and explained how the real-life inspiration for this DC Comics hero changed the script.

Superman will be the first official feature film in Gunn's developing DC Universe. The film features an ensemble of classic DC Comics characters, including but not limited to Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl, and Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner. While Gunn previously teased Krypto the Superdog's appearance in Superman, the director took "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month to unveil the first official image of the Man of Steel's faithful companion.

Gunn shared the official photo of Superman and Krypto the Superdog across social media. The image features Superman and Krypto sitting on the moon's surface and looking at Earth. The photo recreates an image from the comics that Gunn shared in the post. Gunn also shared a picture of himself with his dog Ozu, who was adopted by the filmmaker when he was writing the Superman script and inspired this incarnation of Krypto the Superdog.

Ozu, who came from a hoarding situation in a backyard with 60 other dogs & never knew human beings, was problematic to say the least. He immediately came in & destroyed our home, our shoes, our furniture - he even ate my laptop. It took a long time before he would even let us touch him. I remember thinking, “Gosh, how difficult would life be if Ozu had superpowers?” - and thus Krypto came into the script & changed the shape of the story as Ozu was changing my life. What better time to debut the not-so-good-good-boy Krypto than #AdoptAShelterDog Month. Btw, Ozu today, is, fairly often, a very good boy. #Superman

The photo has been well-received by most fans. The Superman cast even replied to Gunn's post with enthusiastic words for Krypto and Ozu. "Love ozu!!! Honored to have pet him," wrote Merced before expressing fondness for Krypto's lopsided ear. Mister Terrific actor Edi Gathegi also teased what fans can expect from the Dog of Steel, writing, "Krypto bout to melt hearts." Instagram user @rammerjammer_duck echoed the sentiment of many fans, writing, "When I think of Superman story. Krypto is always there. I will accept no hate of a man’s best friend."

Of course, some fans believe Krypto's inclusion is a sign that Superman is moving in the wrong direction. While Zack Snyder's DC Extended Universe could be characterized as dark and serious, Gunn's Superman and the DCU aim for a lighter and more fun tone. However, some fans believe Krypto's role in Superman means the film and DCU franchise will be far more 'silly' than they desire. That said, other fans are thrilled to move away from the grim tone of Snyder's DCEU and embrace Gunn's willingness to include some of the more 'goofy' aspects of the Superman lore.

Although fans may argue over how serious or fun the DCU should be, Gunn could change tones depending on the individual DC project. Superman is a character intended to inspire hope, therefore it shouldn't be surprising that his new feature film's tone will be lighter. However, the Swamp Thing movie that Gunn announced could take a darker approach. Maybe adjusting the tone depending on the DC project can help differentiate the DCU from the MCU and DCEU, which arguably have the same style across each movie and show.

Superman is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image

Superman

Display card tags widget

PG-13

Science Fiction

Adventure

Action

Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.' Rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill departed from the role, honoring the character's roots as "the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way."