DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’: Everything You Need to Know

DC’s Blue Beetle is set to make history with the debut of the first Latino superhero to lead a DC film on the silver screen. With several changes taking place with the new co-CEOs, James Gunn and Peter Safran, it was uncertain whether this movie would see the light of day. But it is set to be the beginning of this new chapter at DC since it wasn’t discarded like other films and Tv shows.

Starring Xolo Mariduena as the Blue Beetle, this DC movie is a family-based origin story about a young college graduate who stumbles across an ancient relic that gives him powers beyond his wildest imagination. The first trailer was released in April, with the movie set to hit theaters later in 2023. Here is everything you need to know about DC’s Blue Beetle movie!

Blue Beetle Release Date:

DC’s Blue Beetle was initially going to be a direct-to-streaming movie on HBO Max, but it was later changed to a theatrical release. Development of the film began in 2018, with filming wrapping in July 2022 in various locations worldwide. Warner Brothers has confirmed that Blue Beetle will hit cinemas on August 18, 2023.

Blue Beetle Plot Details:

The first trailer came with the official synopsis of this DC movie. Jaime Reyes has recently graduated from college with great ambitions for his future. Despite the numerous changes he has to return to at home, he still struggles to find his way in the world. But fate has other plans for him when he finds an ancient relic of alien biotechnology known as the Scarab.

The Scarab chooses Jaime as its symbiotic host, bestowing him extraordinary powers with an indestructible suit of armor fitted with wings to help him fly. Although he resists the power, the connection with the Scarab forever changes him into the Blue Beetle. 

In the original Blue Beetle comics, the first Blue Beetle was Dan Garret, a police officer who got his powers from ingesting Vitamin 2X. But when the rights were sold to DC, the new version of the comics in 1964 introduced Garret as an archaeologist who gained his powers from an ancient Egyptian scarab. Jamie Reyes is the third incarnation of the Blue Beetle.

Blue Beetle Cast:

Xolo Mariduena, known for his roles in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, stars as the lead, Jaime Reyes/the Blue Beetle. Mariduena even spoke about the pressure of winning the role without having to audition for the part. But he gained his footing and confidence while filming the movie thanks to the amazing cast and crew. 

Jamie’s romantic interest, Penny, is played by Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine. This is her first Hollywood debut after appearing in numerous soap operas and tv shows. The villain, Victoria Kord, will be played by Susan Sarandon. Victoria Kord is the sister to the former Blue Beetle holder, Ted Kord. She made her debut in the recent comic Blue Beetle: Graduation Day. 

Other stars joining the cast include Raul Max as Conrad Carapax, George Lopez as Jaime’s Uncle, Damian Alcazar, and Elpidia Carrillo as Jaime’s parents, Belissa Escobedo as Jaime’s sister, and George Lopez as Jaime’s Uncle. 

Blue Beetle’s Comic Origins Explained

The ancient scarab originated from an alien civilization known as The Reach. They are known for conquering planets through war using their advanced technology. The Reach destroyed numerous planets until the Green Lantern Corps forced them into signing a peace treaty never to take another planet through war. 

This led to them inventing the Scarabs. The Scarab technology was similar to a hive mind, which can take over a host’s mind and personality. The chosen host would later be used to weaken the country’s defenses allowing them to take over without having to use war.

Aside from creating dazzling blue exoskeleton armor around the host’s body, the Scarab bestows power on the host. The Scarab’s AI has a personality and can translate multiple languages. Some of its powers include rocket boosters from the wings, flight, durability, superhuman strength, and nanotechnology that helps him create any object he wishes. There are numerous hidden powers that Jamie Reyes is unaware of, so hopefully, the movie can shed light on them and reveal some abilities we haven’t seen in the comics.

Who is Making the Blue Beetle?

Puerto Rican filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto is directing DC’s Blue Beetle. The screenplay is by Garett Dunnet-Alcocer, who is also involved in the upcoming film Sony’s El Merton. Alongside DC studios, the film is being co-produced by Entertainment One, Sanfran Company, and S&K Pictures. Executive producers include Garrett Grant, Walter Hamada, and Galen Vaisman.

Director Angel Manuel Soto told comicBook.com that they intend to keep the movie as authentic as possible. Not the hallmark, cookie-cutter Latinos. They wanted the audience to feel like they could relate to each character. 

Blue Beetle Trailer

Watch the trailer here!

 

The first Blue Beetle trailer was released on April 3rd, giving fans an inside look at what to expect for this new superhero’s debut. One thing that’s different about this hero is that he doesn’t hide his identity from his family as many others have done before him. They seem to be an integral part of his discovery, making this family movie even more endearing. An extended trailer was released at CinemaCon. 

Where Does Blue Beetle Fit in the DC Extended Universe?

According to Deadline, Blue Beetle is part of James Gunn’s new DCEU slate. Although the character was developed during the Walter Hamada era of the DC studios, word has it that James Gunn and Peter Safran are planning to incorporate the character in the DCEU going forward. 

This Blue Beetle movie is rumored to set up another DC series around the character Booster Gold. Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are close friends so he might appear in the TV series.