The DC Universe's Supergirl movie is set to adapt a compelling story from DC Comics, and early indications suggest it is making smart improvements to the source material. Following the debut of the new DCU slate, Kara Zor-El is embarking on her own solo adventure this summer.

Adapting the Comic Foundation

The Original Plotline

The film draws inspiration from the comic book run written by Tom King with art by Bilquis Evely. This storyline finds Kara Zor-El at a low point, compelling her to join an intergalactic revenge mission alongside a girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll.

Ruthye seeks vengeance against the Kryptonian criminal, Krem. In both the comic and the movie, Krypto serves as the narrative catalyst. The dog is poisoned with arrows fired by Krem, prompting Supergirl to join Ruthye's quest to secure an antidote and save her companion's life.

The trailer emphasizes the urgency, noting that Krypto has only three days left to live. This forces Kara and Ruthye on a journey across several planets, encountering various aliens and monsters. The movie also introduces a change from the comics regarding Krem's fate.

Krypto's Diminished Role in the Comics

In the original comic book narrative, Krypto's direct involvement largely concludes after his poisoning. While saving the dog is ostensibly Kara’s main motivation on the page, he reappears only briefly at the very end, either in the present or via flashbacks.

The Movie's Enhancements to the Krypto Bond

Deepening the Emotional Core

The film is significantly changing this by placing a much greater focus on the relationship between Supergirl and Krypto. This involves showing far more scenes of them together before the poisoning occurs, promising both heartwarming and potentially heartbreaking moments.

Krypto is portrayed as Kara’s one true companion, serving as a vital representation of her lost home, Krypton. The movie will feature flashbacks to Krypto as an adorable puppy, detailing how he came into Kara’s life and the crucial role he has played since.

By fleshing out the depth of Kara's affection for Krypto, the film aims to increase the story's stakes and provide a stronger emotional foundation. This connection links Krypto intrinsically with Supergirl's ongoing grief over Krypton's destruction, a core element of her character arc.

Increasing Audience Empathy

Krypto was already established as a fan-favorite character in previous DCU appearances. By deepening this attachment and linking it directly to Supergirl's personal pain, audiences are expected to empathize with her more quickly.

The question remains whether the dog will survive the poison, as the trailer suggests a grim outlook. However, the original comic reveals a twist where Krypto is completely healed by the story's conclusion, having never been in serious danger. This was reportedly a ploy by Kara to teach Ruthye valuable life lessons.

If the filmmakers choose to alter this and kill Krypto, it would be a major departure. For now, Krypto remains one of the DCU's most promising characters, essential for the future of the Super Family.