Google searches for “adopt a dog near me” reportedly surged by 513 per cent during Superman’s opening weekend (James Gunn/X)

Find out how James Gunn's dog inspired Krypto in the new Superman movie and his key role in the future of the DCU.

For the furry sidekick, Krypto, in “Superman,” the director James Gunn found inspiration — and a physical model — in his own unruly pet.

Krypto the Superdog may steal the show in the new “Superman” movie, but it’s a dog named Superman who’s stealing the hearts of animal lovers across the country as rescue workers in Texas try to save pets in dire circumstances.

Krypto's role in James Gunn's Superman has led to a massive spike in interest in dog adoptions. According to data from Google Trends, the search term

"Superman" reboots the DC Universe by throwing audiences right into the action. If you got a bit lost towards the end, we're here to help.

"She had a long life and we loved her hard," the actress wrote of her beloved pup, one of two she shares with husband Jason Ralph

While it may be no bird or plane, one Maury County pup is a true underdog going from shelter life to top dog on the silver screen as a canine actor in the new "Superman" blockbuster movie.