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David Corenswet may wear the cape, but Krypto the Superdog is stealing hearts and driving up dog adoptions nationwide. While "Superman" soars at the box office, it's not just audiences buzzing about the Man of Steel's latest adventure. The movie's breakout star is a furball of chaos and charm, Krypto, Superman's scrappy, wildly untrained, yet fiercely loyal superdog. And in an unexpected twist worthy of its own origin story, Krypto is having a real-world impact, boosting interest in dog adoptions across the U.S.
According to dog training app Woofz, the opening weekend of "Superman" sparked a staggering 513% surge in Google searches for "adopt a dog near me." Searches for "rescue dog adoption near me" climbed 163%, and even more targeted queries like "adopt a schnauzer" — Krypto's apparent breed blend — skyrocketed 299%.
Krypto's Origin Story
So, what's fueling this sudden rush to adopt? Krypto's clumsy but courageous presence in the film is modeled after James Gunn's rescue dog, Ozu, whom the director adopted during the writing process. Gunn, known for bringing unexpected emotional depth to oddball characters, found himself struggling to train Ozu. At one point, he joked that it would be terrifying if Ozu had superpowers, and just like that, Krypto was born.
In "Superman," Krypto is a sidekick with super-strength and zoomies, equal parts headache and hero. His loyalty never wavers, and he proves himself in a crucial battle. Fans left theaters not only laughing at Krypto's wild antics, but wondering what it might be like to have a four-legged hero of their own.
When Fandom Meets Furry Responsibility
The impact wasn't just digital. Warner Bros. partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to offer free pet adoptions across the U.S. from July 1–10. The campaign, timed just before the film's release on July 11, led to 454 successful adoptions, a heartwarming real-world ripple effect from a CGI pup's big-screen debut.
But amid the excitement, experts are urging a little grounded realism. "Adoption is a real commitment," said Woofz CEO Natalia Shahmetova. "The hype will fade, but your dog will stay, so make sure you're ready to give them the time, care, and training they need and deserve."
That message hits home, especially since Krypto's movie journey involves training mishaps, shredded furniture, and more than a few superpowered tantrums. Even though Krypto is entirely CGI, he's crafted using the body and breed of Gunn's Ozu — a Terrier-Schnauzer mix — adding authenticity to the character and giving would-be adopters a particular inspiration.
Not Just a Trend
The influence of pop culture on adoption trends is not a new phenomenon. We've seen it with characters like Lassie, the dogs from "101 Dalmatians," and even the huskies from "Game of Thrones." However, Superman's dog, Krypto, offers a unique perspective. Rather than portraying an idealized pet, Krypto is a character with flaws; he's messy, stubborn, and fiercely loyal. He embodies the idea of family, making him relatable to viewers. This portrayal of imperfection resonates with audiences, encouraging them to consider adopting from rescue shelters.
It's not simply about wanting a "movie dog"; it's about feeling inspired to do something good, to provide a second chance, and to find your own Krypto.