Does Krypto Die in 'Supergirl'? A Quick Guide for Dog-Loving Viewers

Dog lovers watching the trailers for James Gunn's second DC universe film, 'Supergirl,' have understandable reason for worry. The film follows a revenge journey that begins when Kara's superdog, Krypto, is poisoned by Krem of the Yellow Hills, leader of the space pirate gang the Brigands. For those who'd rather avoid watching a dog suffer on screen, Kotaku's Kenneth Shepard offers a reassuring rundown of how the film handles the issue.

While Krypto's poisoning is the film's inciting incident, the dog's actual screen time is less than you'd expect. In the opening scenes, Kara and Krypto are out partying and barhopping on planets without a yellow sun, where Kara, powerless, can even feel the effects of alcohol. When Krem attempts to steal his ship, Krypto intervenes and is struck by a poisoned dart. The strike happens fast and is telegraphed in advance, so it's not hard to look away if you need to.

The sight of a poisoned Krypto lying on a healer's table is emotionally heavy, but the film never approaches the level of animal-related distress seen in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.' Krypto's condition ticks along in the background like a clock in Kara's mind; we don't linger on his suffering for long. One scene, in which Kara fears she won't get the antidote in time, is particularly heart-wrenching.

As for the big question — and this is a genuine spoiler — Kara does get the antidote in time, and Krypto survives. Dog lovers can head to the theater with confidence, though a few scenes call for some emotional bracing.