Thescreescore – A recent Instagram post by director James Gunn offered a tantalizing glimpse into the visual effects magic behind Superman. The video showcases Krypto the Superdog, Clark Kent’s canine companion, in a scene from the Fortress of Solitude. The footage, sourced from Framestore, depicts Krypto receiving—or rather, enduring—affectionate pats from Robot #4. Gunn’s caption playfully notes Krypto’s less-than-thrilled reaction. The human cast, including David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, are noticeably absent from this sneak peek, focusing the attention squarely on the four-legged star.
While a real dog, Jolene, served as the on-set stand-in, Krypto’s final appearance is entirely CGI. This is a deliberate choice by Gunn, who was inspired to include Krypto in the film by his own rescue dog, Ozu. Gunn’s anecdote about adopting Ozu, shared on the DC Studios Showcase podcast, paints a hilarious picture of a chaotic, destructive, yet ultimately loveable canine—a personality that clearly influenced Krypto’s on-screen portrayal.
The test footage itself is a testament to Framestore’s skill. Krypto, a CGI recreation of Ozu, is remarkably lifelike. The color-shifting and mapping onto Jolene, presumably a larger dog, are seamlessly integrated, resulting in a believable portrayal that avoids the pitfalls of the uncanny valley. Even with these significant transformations, Krypto retains a distinct resemblance to both his real-life and fictional inspirations.
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The interaction between Krypto and Robot #4 (voiced by Alan Tudyk) is particularly noteworthy. The stiff, robotic movements of Robot #4 contrast sharply with Krypto’s subtly expressive stillness, hinting at the character’s mischievous nature—a "naughty dog trying to be good," as previously suggested by the trailers.
This sneak peek promises great things for Krypto’s role in the film. The test footage’s impressive quality suggests that the CGI will seamlessly blend with the live-action sequences, even during the more demanding action scenes. While the footage only shows a brief moment of interaction, it leaves audiences eagerly anticipating Krypto’s full-fledged big-screen debut. With the film’s release date set for July 11, 2025, the wait is almost over. Prepare for a super-powered pup to steal the show. Visit thescreescore.com for more updates.
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