The internet is going crazy over Krypto, Superman’s chaotic, not-so-trusty sidekick.
James Gunn, director of the hugely successful “Superman” (2025), modeled the feisty, lopsided CGI dog after his real-life rescue Ozu—which he once described in an interview as “the world’s worst dog… biting my feet until they bled, ate my new $10,000 laptop, chewed up all my shoes and our furniture.”
But, he continues, “He’s actually so much better than he used to be. He just wants to be cradled, like a baby.” It was that very behavior that sparked a thought, “Thank God this dog doesn’t have superpowers.” And so, Krypto came to be.
“I love animals more than I love movies,” Gunn once told Collider. “I feel like I’m partially imprinted on animals. I understand them in some ways more than I understand humans.”
The director has adopted many pets, including his mutt Dr. Von Spears, the real-life inspiration behind Groot in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” He also has a puggle (a pug-beagle mix) named Lola, and a mischievous cat called Emily—affectionately nicknamed Emily Monster on his social media.
In 2023, PETA named Gunn their Person of the Year “for using impressive and stunningly well-crafted CGI animals to inspire tens of millions of moviegoers.”
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The director paints animal characters in a way that doesn’t just box them in as comic relief or stoic, loyal sidekicks, but instead gives them feisty souls that humans fall in love with on-screen. These are just a few.
Superman
Krypto the Superdog
Adoption rates have soared since the film hit the big screen, and those who have watched the film will understand why. Unlike other heroic canines, the wild, unpredictable, and overpowered pet flips the loyal, noble animal sidekick trope on its head.
And no matter how chaotic and “unreliable” Krypto is, he’ll always come through for Superman when the time calls for it.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Rocket Raccoon
There’s no way Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) will ever be a sidekick or bow down to the commands “sit” or “stay.” Beneath his sarcasm and snarkiness, the genetically modified raccoon, whose heartbreaking backstory was explored in “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3,” is nuanced with all his trust issues and showcases one of Marvel’s deepest emotional arcs.
Cosmo the Spacedog
“I’m not a bad dog! Take it back!” This furry, telekinetic comrade is funny and fiercely loyal. Originally based on the real-life Soviet space dog Laika, Cosmo first appeared in the Marvel comics as a male dog, but Gunn made the decision to reimagine Cosmo as a female.
In the fresh take, the space dog grows from a quirky cameo to an active member of the Guardians.
Lylla, Floor, and Teefs
The cybernetic otter and Rocket’s love interest Lylla, the rabbit with mechanical legs, Floor, and soft-spoken walrus on wheels, Teefs, make up Rocket’s first family—his childhood companions in the genetic testing lab.
Despite their mutations, they are adorable, and their tragic murder made audiences’ hearts break. As the experiments gaze at the rusty ceiling and dream aloud of seeing the sky, Gunn gives the animal characters emotional depths, drawing comments against animal cruelty and testing.
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The chaos of the Suicide Squad
Sebastian, the tiny rat companion of Ratcatcher II, ends up charming the audience with his tiny gestures—like cuddling up during battles. The rat, a creature many find disgusting, ends up being key to saving the day.
And who can forget King Shark? The half-human, half-shark voiced by Sylvester Stallone. And although he eats people, he’s just a little bit lonely.
Peacemaker’s Eagle
In 2022, Gunn directed the HBO TV series “Peacemaker” starring John Cena. Gunn gives us Eagly, a bald eagle, and Peacemaker’s best friend. While not a talking animal, Eagly is undeniably loyal. Peacemaker seems pretty obsessed with the bird, and the feeling is mutual.
Scooby-Doo
Before the MCU, there was Scooby-Doo, as Gunn brought to life everyone’s favorite childhood cartoon through the screenplay. He penned the scripts for both the live-action films in the early 2000s, with slightly more wry, grown-up humor typical of his stylistic approach.
His portrayal of Scooby stayed largely the same, as a great Great Dane who talks in a silly way and solves mysteries with his friends at Mystery Incorporated.
