The 2025 Superman Movie Isn't The First Time Krypto The Superdog Was In A Live-Action DC Project

From the moment news broke that the 2025 "Superman" movie would feature Krypto the Superdog as one of its central characters, fans were excited. Krypto's journey to the big screen is just one example of the evolution of a character who was born as a supporting role in March 1955 in Adventure Comics #210. Now, Krypto has the opportunity to establish itself as an icon for both veteran DC Comics fans and a new generation. However, although the film gives the character his biggest moment of attention and importance, the "Superman" movie is not the first time that Krypto has appeared in a live-action DC project.

In October 2024, James Gunn, director of "Superman" movie, shared through Threads the first image of Krypto for the film, explaining in the post that his adopted dog Ozu was the one who inspired him to include the character in the film. This is not surprising if we take into account that pets often behave like video game bosses, surprising their owners. While it's undeniable that the movie is going to be a turning point for Krypto, it was the 2018 live-action series "Titans," which aired on Max, that gave the character the chance to shine. Krypto was part of the show's cleansing run for all four seasons as Conner's pet, a member of the Titans. 

While "Titans" was Krypto the Superdog's first chance to be introduced to the general public, according to Yahoo News!, Cartoon Network aired the animated series "Krypto the Superdog" in 2005, starring the titular character. Later, in September 2006, Kids' WB aired the cartoon until 2007. In the show, Krypto starts as a puppy and Superman's pet on his home planet, Krypton. However, after the planet is set to be destroyed, Krypto is sent to Earth, where he lands as an adult dog with superpowers. He is then adopted by a 9-year-old boy and his family, who don't realize that Krypto is much more than an ordinary dog. Krypto's animated adventures later continued in the 2022 animated film "DC League of Super-Pets."

However, according to the Smallville Wiki, Krypto began his love affair with the DC live action franchise in episode 14 of season 4 of "Smallville." Although the series didn't use the character's official name — they ended up calling it Shelby — the dog that Lois accidentally ran over and then took care of seemed to be a reference to Krypto. It had superpowers and was part of a Luthor Corp experiment that went wrong. So, between cartoons and live-action, DC fans have plenty of options to enjoy Krypto, but above all, our dogs have many opportunities to see other dogs TV.