Sometimes, a scoop takes the scenic route, but the destination is always worth the wait. Years ago, I published a report revealing that DC Studios co-head James Gunn had a massive, passionate interest in bringing Superman’s faithful canine companion, Krypto, to the center stage of the new DCU pipeline. Today, at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, that exclusive premise was (kine of) validated.
Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios have formally announced that a Krypto animated series is officially in development.
The reveal capped off a historic, adult-focused animation showcase for DC that also included the greenlights for Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman and the psychological anime thriller Joker: Laugh Riot. But while those projects lean heavily into the R-rated dark side of Gotham, Krypto is traveling a much brighter, family-oriented path.
When he’s not hanging out with Superman or Supergirl, Krypto tags along with a gang of misfit criminal wannabes who live down the block, and they soon discover he’s a ball of destructive, lovable energy worse than any of them! As he follows them into misadventures and poorly laid plans, Krypto’s pure nature slowly ends up redeeming them, whether they want it or not.
-Official synopsis for Krypto
When I first ran with the idea that Gunn was looking into a standalone Krypto project, the DCU was still in its nebulous infancy. Critics and fans wondered how a super-powered dog would fit into a unified narrative. Gunn himself later dropped hints on social media—and eventually cast a live-action iteration of the character in this summer’s Superman and DC Studios’ Supergirl space epic. However, the Annecy announcement proves that Gunn‘s vision for the character wasn’t just limited to a live-action supporting cameo or a quick visual gag; it involved Krypto anchoring his own narrative engine.
According to the official studio details published by TheWrap, the newly greenlit animated series will function as a vibrant, high-energy family adventure. It aims to introduce younger audiences to the broader cosmic and terrestrial mythology of the new DC Universe through the eyes of its most loyal protector.
To ensure the series matches the heart and premium visual quality of DC’s broader animation push, Chowder and Jellystone! architect C.H. Greenblatt will create and executive produce.
While the series is explicitly being built as a family-friendly entry point, it represents a core pillar of Gunn’s foundational strategy: using multiple animation mediums to make the DC brand accessible to every single demographic.
For years, people have doubted whether a character like Krypto could sustain his own modern spotlight without looking silly. But Gunn has built an entire career out of turning eccentric animal characters—from Rocket Raccoon to Weasel—into the emotional, beating hearts of massive franchises.
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