The internet erupted in laughter this week as a new sneak peek from James Gunn’s Superman (2025) showcased a surprising and humorous moment: David Corenswet’s Superman, battered and bloodied, lying on the icy ground of the Arctic, with his loyal dog Krypto playfully jumping on him, oblivious to his injuries. The five-minute clip, released on April 3, 2025, as part of a CinemaCon presentation and later shared online by DC Studios, has sparked a wave of reactions, ranging from delight to ridicule, as fans grapple with this unconventional portrayal of the Man of Steel. Set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, Gunn’s reboot of the iconic superhero has already become a lightning rod for discussion, with this particular scene stealing the spotlight for its unexpected blend of humor and vulnerability.

The footage begins with Superman crash-landing in a snowy tundra, his face bruised and blood trickling from his mouth—a stark contrast to the invincible hero fans are used to seeing. He wheezes, barely able to move, and whistles for Krypto, his Super-Dog, to come to his aid. Krypto, a white pup with a red cape inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog Ozu, bounds onto the scene with tail-wagging enthusiasm. But instead of immediately helping, Krypto gleefully pounces on Superman, jumping all over him and causing the hero to groan in pain. The dog’s playful antics, including licking Superman’s face and nipping at his heels, continue as he drags the injured hero by his cape to the Fortress of Solitude, where robotic assistants take over to heal him. The scene’s mix of dark humor and heartfelt charm has left audiences in stitches, with many taking to social media to share their reactions.

Posts on X reveal a divided but highly entertained fanbase. Some found the moment “delightfully charming,” appreciating Krypto’s realistic dog-like behavior and the way it humanizes Superman. One user wrote, “Krypto acting like an actual dog and pouncing on a weakened Superman not knowing he’s injured is such a delightfully charming touch. I’m sold on this movie.” Others, however, couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, with one user joking, “Superman on the brink of death and Krypto just jumping on him thinking it’s playtime. Bad ass dog. Will be there opening night.” The image of the world’s mightiest hero being unintentionally “tortured” by his own pet has sparked countless memes, with fans creating GIFs of Krypto bouncing on Superman while captions like “When your dog doesn’t know you’re having a bad day” circulate widely.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans expressed disappointment, feeling the scene undermines Superman’s iconic strength. One post on X criticized the moment as “dumb humor,” arguing, “Dogs know when their owners are hurt. Having Krypto jump all over Superman while he’s broken and bloodied is straight-up dumb humor.” Another user lamented, “We lost Cavill for this?”—a reference to Henry Cavill, who played Superman in the DCEU from 2013 to 2022 and was known for a more stoic portrayal. The contrast between Cavill’s god-like Superman and Corenswet’s vulnerable, grounded version has been a point of contention, and this scene has only fueled the debate. Critics of the clip argue that seeing Superman “physically shattered, helpless, and spitting blood,” as described by Polygon, feels jarring, especially when paired with Gunn’s signature dark humor, which some feel doesn’t suit the character.

Gunn, who wrote and directed the film, has leaned into his unique style, blending emotional depth with quirky, boundary-pushing humor—a hallmark of his work in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. At CinemaCon, he shared that Krypto’s character was inspired by his own “terrible” rescue dog Ozu, who once chewed up his $8,000 laptop, adding a personal touch to the Super-Dog’s mischievous behavior. The scene in the Fortress of Solitude, where robots heal Superman by directing sunlight through a magnifying glass, further showcases Gunn’s blend of sci-fi spectacle and levity. The robots, described as having “zero sense of humor,” add another layer of comedy as they nonchalantly tend to Superman’s extensive injuries, ignoring Krypto’s chaos.

Despite the mixed reactions, the clip has undeniably generated buzz for Superman (2025), the first major live-action film in Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe. The cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and supporting players like Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, has also drawn attention. Gunn has promised a story about “love and hope,” focusing on a young Clark Kent navigating his dual identity as a reporter and a superhero. The inclusion of Krypto, a fan-favorite from the comics, adds an emotional anchor, with his bond with Superman offering a glimpse into the hero’s softer side.

As the release date approaches, the image of Krypto jumping on an injured Superman has become a viral sensation, encapsulating the film’s unconventional tone. Whether fans ultimately embrace this new take on the Man of Steel or continue to pine for Cavill’s more traditional portrayal, one thing is clear: Gunn’s Superman is unafraid to take risks, blending humor, heart, and spectacle in a way that has everyone talking—and laughing. For now, the world waits to see if this playful pup and his battered owner can soar to new heights when the film lands in theaters this summer.