Superman: Legacywill feature Krypto the Superdog, the Man of Steel’s canine companion. James Gunn confirmed the news while promotingGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3with Chris Pratt, whom he jokingly suggested play the role.
Superman: Legacywas officially announced as part of Gunn’s initial DC Universe slate and will be the first theatrical release under the new DCU banner. Although plot details are under wraps,Superman: Legacyis now in pre-production, with Gunn set to direct the film from a script he wrote.
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While promoting theacclaimedGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn and Pratt reflected on how they won’t be able to spend as much time together now that theGuardiansfranchise is over (at least for Gunn). However, Pratt suggested they might work together again one day, prompting Gunn to reveal Krypto’s inclusion inSuperman: Legacy. “I was hoping I could cast you as Krypto the Superdog (inSuperman Legacy). You could do motion capture on set and walk around on your hands and knees, but you may’t talk,” Gunn told Pratt during their joint interview with theToronto Sun.
Pratt responded to Gunn’s comment by saying he would accept the role if paid in Crypto. In response, Gunn poked fun at digital currency by saying, “’ll pay you in crypto, which amounts to zero dollars.” After declaring that Gunn had just delivered breaking news by announcing Krypto’s role inSuperman: Legacy, Gunn confirmed the Toronto Sun received a scoop. In response, Pratt said to Gunn, “Way to go. You’re fired. Back to Marvel.”
For those unaware,Krypto is Superman’s pet dog, who possesses the same superhuman abilities as the Man of Steel. In DC comics, Krypto is traditionally the pet dog of baby Kal-El (Superman’s birthname) on Krypton. When Superman’s biological father, Jor-El, becomes aware of Krypton’s impending destruction, he uses Krypto as a test subject on a prototype rocket before sending his infant son to Earth. However, Krypto’s rocket is knocked off course, and he only arrives on Earth after Kal-El, named Clark Kent by his adopted parents, is older.
While Krypto has an extensive history in comics and animation, including a lead role inDwayne Johnson’sDC League of Super-Pets,Superman: Legacywill mark the canine’s first proper live-action appearance. How Gunn plans to use the Man of Steel’s best friends remains to be seen, but if Cosmo the Space Dog’s inclusion inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3is any indication, Krypto will be a beloved addition to the DCU.
Superman: Legacyis currently scheduled to premiere in theaters on June 27, 2025.
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