James Gunn's Superman is a film that has garnered excitement for being the newest cinematic take on the Kryptonian hero. It has also received attention and fanfare as the beginning of a new era for the DC Universe. While David Corenswet's Clark Kent / Superman is reason for delight, Krypto has been stealing the spotlight since the canine character was revealed to be in the film.
But it turns out Krypto is more than just a fun and furry sidekick. Superman (2025) highlights how Superman and Krypto's relationship characterizes the kind of hero and person Clark is.
*** This article contains SPOILERS from James Gunn's Superman movie. ***
The Super owner of Krypto the Superdog in Superman
Most fans know Krypto to be Superman’s dog, and this was the general assumption when news broke that Krypto would be in Superman. But, in the film, Clark tells Lois that he doesn't technically have a dog. Rather, he describes it as more of a foster situation. A scene toward the end of the movie reveals that Krypto's actual owner is Supergirl, Clark’s cousin Kara Danvers. Clark had simply been watching the chaotic canine while Kara had been partying off-world on planets with red suns — meaning the Kryptonian can get drunk there, unlike under the yellow sun of Earth.
Pet-sitting is a seemingly normal task, but it can be a lot of responsibility. It's not just an everyday chore like washing the dishes or doing laundry either. It's caring for and watching over another living being. So, for Clark (who, as far as we know, has never had a pet) to take on the responsibility of taking care of Krypto says a lot about how he values his relationship with his cousin and his willingness to help. And, sure, Superman had some help from the robots at the Fortress of Solitude. But his robots can only do so much, so Clark is still doing the brunt of the work.
Patience with the Pup in Superman
As much as audiences love Krypto, he's not an easy dog to deal with. His first scene alone is proof of that. Krypto is hyperactive, rough, and rowdy. While he’ll listen to orders, it generally takes time for him to actually listen and be obedient. He’s more interested in having fun and playing than he is with being a superpowered dog who can help with responsibilities. But while Superman expresses his disappointment with Krypto, he never berates the dog. Even when Clark is trying to get Krypto to bring him back home to the Fortress, he doesn’t get frustrated. It’d be more than valid if he did get upset. Superman had just lost his first fight and was in a lot of pain. That kind of condition makes it easy to get angry and have a short temper. But he doesn’t lash out, because it’s not who Superman is. He also knows getting mad won’t make it any easier to communicate with Krypto.
Beaten up or not, Clark is incredibly patient with Krypto. It speaks volumes about the way he approaches conflict and misunderstanding. He employs a soft demeanor with Krypto, talking to him with kindness and understanding. He doesn’t want to change the dog, but he still hopes to help Krypto learn and be better — especially with others, because not everyone will have the same grace he has with the dog.
Clark's care and compassion for Krypto
When Superman discovers that Lex Luthor has broken into the Fortress of Solitude, he’s understandably upset. But his concern takes a turn toward extreme fury once he finds out Krypto is no longer there. The anger Superman holds when he confronts Lex about Krypto is such a stark contrast to the composed hero he presents himself as.
Perhaps no line in Superman better characterizes the type of hero — the kind of human Clark is than “Yeah, he's not even a very good (dog), but he's out there alone. And he's probably scared.” Krypto might just be a dog, as Lois Lane reasoned, but that doesn’t change Superman’s desire to help.
As super of a dog Krypto is, he can’t communicate his desire to be set free and left alone. It’s Clark’s responsibility to take care of Krypto, and he’s going to take it seriously even if it could ultimately harm himself in the process. That’s also why he takes Krypto with him to Metropolis to stop the rift. Clark knows he’s responsible for the canine companion. He signed up to take care of Krypto, not his parents. So he doesn’t want to leave Krypto in Smallville, where his chaos would inconvenience the Kents and their cows.
He doesn’t even try to claim that his personal stake in the matter — the fact Krypto is his cousin’s dog — as an explanation for why the pet needs help. Clark knows Krypto doesn’t deserve to have been kidnapped by Lex just because of his affiliation with the superhero. Krypto shouldn’t be tortured just because he was helping protect the Fortress.
When someone needs help, Superman will be there, even if that someone is just a dog. Because that’s the kind of hero he is.
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