If you’ve seen the new “Superman” film and left the theater thinking, “Should I adopt a dog?”, you’re not alone.
Since the film’s release, Google searches for “adopt a dog near me” have skyrocketed by a staggering 513%, according to a recent report. That’s not a typo. People aren’t just loving Superman … they’re falling for his four-legged best friend, Krypto.
Krypto, the heroic pup who fights alongside Superman in the film, was brought to life through CGI and modeled after director James Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu. The resemblance must be striking enough to spark breed-specific curiosity too—searches for “adopt a Schnauzer” are up 299%, and “rescue dog adoption near me” has seen a 163% jump.
And while Krypto may be fictional, his impact is very real. James Gunn was clearly moved by the increase in dog adoption interest, calling it one of the film’s greatest blessings. “This film has been a barrage of blessings for me,” he said, “this one may be the greatest. Ozu has no idea any of this is happening but, if he did, he’d be proud.”
Films like “101 Dalmatians”, “Legally Blonde”, and “John Wick” have all been linked to surges in interest for certain breeds. But in this case, the message isn’t just about one dog—it’s about giving rescue animals a shot at a super life.
If you’re Googling pet adoption after seeing the film, you’re in good company. Just make sure you’re adopting for the right reasons. Dogs—super or otherwise—are a long-term commitment. But if the idea of a loyal sidekick by your side sounds appealing, maybe it’s time to check out your local shelter.
Who knows? You might not get heat vision, but you could gain a best friend faster than a speeding bullet.