The release of James Gunn’s Superman on July 11, 2025, has not only soared at the box office but also sparked an unexpected real-world impact: a massive surge in dog adoption interest, driven by the film’s charismatic superdog, Krypto. According to the dog training app Woofz, Google searches for “adopt a dog near me” skyrocketed by 513% following the film’s opening weekend, with “rescue dog adoption near me” rising by 163% and “adopt a schnauzer” spiking by 299%. This phenomenon, dubbed the “Krypto Effect,” stems from the character’s lovable yet mischievous presence, inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu, adopted during the film’s writing process. The heartwarming connection between Superman and Krypto has resonated with audiences, inspiring many to consider welcoming a furry companion into their lives.

In Superman, Krypto, a CGI-rendered white mutt with a red cape, steals scenes with his superpowered antics, equal parts heroic and chaotic. Modeled after Ozu, a Terrier-Schnauzer mix rescued from a hoarding situation, Krypto embodies the challenges and joys of pet ownership. Gunn, speaking to The New York Times, shared how Ozu’s destructive behavior—chewing furniture, shoes, and even an $8,000 laptop—sparked the idea of a superpowered dog. “I thought, ‘What if this dog had superpowers? We’d be screwed,’” Gunn told PEOPLE, explaining how Ozu’s unruly nature shaped Krypto’s role in the script. The character’s loyalty, despite his lack of training, mirrors Ozu’s journey from a fearful rescue to a beloved companion, striking a chord with viewers and prompting a wave of adoption inquiries.

The film’s narrative, starring David Corenswet as Superman, emphasizes compassion, with a pivotal scene where Superman surrenders to Lex Luthor’s forces to save a frightened Krypto, highlighting the hero’s selflessness. This moment, as noted by FandomWire, encapsulates Superman’s essence and has moved audiences to tears, further fueling the adoption surge. Posts on X, such as one from @Ceo_Branding, celebrated the 513% increase in adoption searches, while @DiscussingFilm noted the film’s broader cultural impact. Warner Bros. amplified this effect by partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to cover adoption fees from July 1 to 10, resulting in 454 pets finding homes before the premiere, according to Fiction Horizon. The campaign, combined with Krypto’s appeal, has turned the film into a catalyst for animal welfare.

Krypto’s design, based on a 3D scan of Ozu, captures authentic canine behaviors, from neck craning to tail wagging, refined by visual effects teams who previously created Rocket Raccoon for Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Gunn shared personal videos of Ozu playing with his cat to ensure Krypto’s movements felt real, adding to the character’s charm. While Krypto’s breed appears as a Terrier-Schnauzer mix, his comic book origins, dating back to 1955, depict him as a generic white dog, sometimes resembling a Labrador or Husky. This flexibility allowed Gunn to infuse Ozu’s unique personality into the character, making Krypto a standout in his big-screen live-action debut.

The adoption surge reflects a broader trend of Gunn’s films promoting animal welfare. His Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earned praise from PETA for highlighting animal testing issues, and Superman continues this legacy. However, Woofz CEO Natalia Shahmetova cautioned in a statement that “adoption is a real commitment,” urging prospective owners to prepare for the responsibilities of pet care. Comments on X, like those from @ashotmagazine, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that rescue dogs, like Ozu, often require extra patience due to past trauma but offer immense rewards. The film’s influence extends beyond theaters, with shelters nationwide reporting increased interest, as noted by Pet Rescue Report.

Krypto’s story also sets the stage for future DCU projects, with Gunn teasing his role in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, where Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El is revealed as Krypto’s true owner. This narrative thread, combined with the dog’s emotional resonance, ensures Krypto’s lasting impact. As The Hindu reported, Gunn expressed joy on Instagram, stating, “This film has been a barrage of blessings for me: this one may be the greatest.” The “Krypto Effect” underscores the power of storytelling to inspire real-world change, reminding audiences of the profound bond between humans and their pets. As fans flock to shelters, drawn by Krypto’s heroism and Ozu’s redemption story, Superman proves that even a superdog can make a super difference.