While David Corenswet may don the cape in James Gunn’s Superman, it’s the four-legged hero Krypto who’s truly captured hearts and driven real-world change. Inspired by Gunn’s own rescue pup, Ozu, the movie’s loyal (and hilariously chaotic) superdog has sparked an unexpected ripple effect: a staggering surge in dog adoptions across the U.S.
Following the film’s debut, Google saw a 500% spike in searches like “adopt a dog near me,” while inquiries about “rescue dog adoption” and “adopt a Schnauzer” soared by 163% and 299%, respectively, according to Woofz, a popular dog training app.
“Dogs aren’t just for the hype — they’re a lifelong commitment,” said Natalia Shahmetova, CEO of Woofz. “It’s heartening to see interest surge, but it’s vital that new pet parents are ready to invest in care, patience, and training.”
From Movie Screens to Forever Homes
Warner Bros. took things a step further, partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to cover adoption fees from July 1–10. The initiative led to 454 animals finding homes before the movie even opened in theatres.
Krypto, portrayed as a mischievous Terrier-Schnauzer mix with boundless loyalty, isn’t just a figment of fiction. He’s a direct nod to Ozu, Gunn’s spirited rescue dog who, by his own admission, once chewed up furniture and bit his feet during writing sessions. That chaos turned into creative gold — and ultimately, a character that’s now making a tangible difference.
This isn’t Gunn’s first cinematic stand for animal welfare. His Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earned praise from PETA for raising awareness about animal testing. Now, with Superman, he’s spotlighting shelter dogs and subtly urging audiences to look beyond the big screen.
Krypto’s Story Isn’t Over Yet
In a heartfelt twist, it’s revealed in the film that Krypto is actually under the care of Clark Kent, waiting for his original guardian, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. That sets the stage for a likely return in the upcoming Supergirl film, where Krypto’s next adventure awaits.
As James Gunn and Peter Safran build out their new DC Universe under the Gods and Monsters banner, Krypto has already proven that you don’t need a cape to be a hero. Sometimes, the real superpower is inspiring people to open their hearts and homes to shelter dogs in need.
‘SUPERMAN’ has helped increase interest in dog adoption by over 500% thanks to Krypto
Google Searches After Superman Premiere:
▪️ “Adopt Dog Near Me” — 513%+
▪️ “Rescue Dog Adoption Near Me” — 163%
▪️ “Adopt a Schnuzer” — 299%
▪️ “Adopt a Puppy” — 31%(via: Woofz) pic.twitter.com/fkTzZrQxM7
— ScreenTime (@screentime) July 15, 2025
Editorial Take: When Fiction Inspires Action
This isn’t the first time pop culture has driven real-world behavioral change. Studies show that emotional storytelling, especially involving animals, can have a profound impact on adoption rates and public sentiment.
- After the release of Finding Dory, demand for blue tang fish surged, unfortunately highlighting the dangers of impulse adoption without awareness.
- Similarly, Game of Thrones led to a spike in Husky adoptions, only to see many surrendered later due to lack of preparation.
- However, films like A Dog’s Purpose and Marley & Me also saw positive spikes in shelter interest when accompanied by education and adoption campaigns.
According to a 2022 ASPCA report, 43% of adopters cited “seeing something online or in media” as a major influence on their decision to adopt. Campaigns that align with pop culture, like Warner Bros.’ fee-waiver tie-in with Superman, can turn moviegoers into change-makers.
At DogExpress, we believe these moments are more than marketing spikes; they’re opportunities. But long-term impact comes not from emotion alone, but from education, commitment, and continued support for rescue organizations.
Because while heroes can fly in fiction, in real life, they walk on four paws and wait patiently behind shelter gates, hoping someone chooses them long after the credits roll.
