Krypto’s Real-Life Superpower: How James Gunn’s Superman Sparked a Dog Adoption Movement

David Corenswet may wear the cape in James Gunn’s Superman, but it’s his four-legged co-star, Krypto, who’s truly stealing hearts and changing lives. Following the movie’s release, there has been a remarkable surge in public interest in dog adoption. This isn’t just a feel-good subplot. It’s a real-world changing effect sparked by an animated, battle-loving, and hilariously untrained pup who somehow manages to save the day and inspire thousands to consider giving a home to dogs like him.Krypto: A Hero Born from Real LifeKrypto might be in the movie, but his story is rooted in reality. Director James Gunn based the character on his own rescue dog, Ozu, whom he adopted while writing the screenplay. Struggling to train the stubborn little mutt, Gunn imagined what chaos might unfold if a dog like Ozu had superpowers. The result? A fiercely loyal, semi-obedient, and deeply lovable companion who now plays a vital role in the Man of Steel’s story. In the film, Krypto isn’t just a comic relief sidekick; he helps in battle, tugs at emotional strings, and provides the grounding warmth that reminds even a superhero what it means to love and be loved.The Real-World EffectJust days after the film’s opening weekend, data from the dog training app Woofz revealed something extraordinary: Google searches for “adopt a dog near me” skyrocketed by 513%. Even more telling, searches for “rescue dog adoption near me” rose by 163%, showing that audiences weren’t just taken in by Krypto’s cuteness; they were moved by the deeper message of adoption and companionship. And the Krypto craze didn’t stop there. Fans began looking for dogs that resembled the pup on screen. Since Krypto is a mix of Terrier and Schnauzer modeled after Gunn’s own dog, Google searches for “adopt a schnauzer” jumped by 299%.More Than a Movie, A MovementWhat makes this moment powerful isn’t just that people are adopting dogs; it’s that they’re seeing rescue pets in a new light. No longer “damaged” or “less than,” these animals are being seen for what they truly are: loyal and full of love. Krypto’s character, chaotic but brave, imperfect but pure, isn’t just entertainment. He’s a reminder that every dog, no matter their past, can be someone’s superhero. James Gunn’s Superman did more than save the world on screen; it changed the lives of real dogs off it. And in a world that often feels dark, maybe that’s the superpower we need most.