DC Universe’s Latino sensation Blue Beetle is heading to the silver screen. A film about this intriguing character is on the horizon, having undergone an interesting journey from being developed as a streaming service exclusive to a cinematic release. Initially, the film was meant to be a part of one cinematic universe, but it will now contribute to another. There’s undoubtedly a lot to keep up with in the complex world of this movie.
The narrative revolves around Jaime Reyes, a Mexican-American teenager whose life takes an unexpected turn after he stumbles upon a mystical robotic scarab. The scarab intertwines with his spine, empowering him with a robust suit of armor. This might seem like a boon initially, but Jaime soon finds himself wrestling for control as the beetle possesses its own consciousness and sometimes overrides him. This film is a landmark in DC’s history, as Blue Beetle is the first Latinx hero to get a solo movie. The film is a fitting tribute to the Latinx culture with a Latinx director, writer, and a mostly Latinx cast. The long overdue screen time for Blue Beetle finally seems to be arriving. Let’s delve deeper into the details of Blue Beetle.
The Cast & Crew
The ensemble cast is a display of Latinx talent at its finest. Xolo Maridueña, known for his role as Miguel in Cobra Kai, will portray Jaime Reyes, while the vampire hunter Guillermo from What We Do in the Shadows, played by Harvey Guillén, will step into the shoes of Dr. Sanchez, a scientist on the side of the villains. The entity controlling the Scarab, Khaji-Da, will be voiced by pop sensation Becky G, who also featured as the Yellow Ranger in the 2017’s Power Rangers.
The cast boasts of many renowned faces like George Lopez who will play Uncle Rudy Reyes, Elpidia Carrillo from Predator and Euphoria as Rocio Reyes, Raoul Max Trujillo as Carapax the Indestructible Man, and Adriana Barraza as Nana, Jaime’s grandmother. Other significant actors include Jorge Jimenez as Uncle Chema Reyes, Bruna Marquezine as Penny, Belissa Escobedo as Milagros Reyes, Damián Alcázar as Alberto Reyes, and Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, a character seemingly created for this film.
The Latinx influence is further embodied by the director Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings) and writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (Miss Bala). The film’s score is being composed by Bobby Krlic, aka The Haxan Cloak, known for his work in Midsommar and Beau is Afraid.
The Plot
As the third and the most celebrated Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes’s journey will serve as the movie’s backbone. After an unexpected encounter with the Scarab at Kord Industries, Jaime finds himself thrust into the world of superheroes. However, his newfound powers also attract unwanted attention, putting his family in danger. The film will explore Jaime’s struggle between his responsibilities as a superhero and his longing for his old life.
In the comic world, Jaime encounters the Scarab after it lands in his hometown, El Paso, Texas, from an exploding Rock of Eternity. After the Scarab fuses to his spine, Jaime is forced to co-operate with it to protect himself from its unfamiliar technology. The film may deviate from the comic plot as it hints that Victoria Kord is aware of the Scarab and is willing to deploy the powerful Carapax to reclaim it.
Who are the Villains?
Victoria Kord, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, is set to play a key antagonist. This original character for the movie has found her way into the comic world as Ted’s older sister, albeit her relationship with Ted remains a mystery. Victoria is willing to go to any lengths to retrieve the Scarab, planning to “change the world with the power of the Scarab.” Sarandon has teased that she represents “the white military-industrial complex”, which adds another layer of intrigue to the film.
From the promotional material released so far, we know Conrad Carapax will feature in the story. It seems the evil Kord corporation has developed the technology and given it to Conrad, who subsequently misuses it. When Jaime ends up with the Scarab, Victoria sends Carapax after him. Conrad, initially a Guatemalan war veteran, becomes the Indestructible Man following experiments by Kord Industries.
DCU Connections
Blue Beetle is in a unique position within the new DCU. Initially, it was set to be a part of the DCEU, but recent remarks by DC Studios President James Gunn and Peter Safran suggest it’s a part of their universe. It’s the first film in the new DCU helmed by Gunn and Safran, with hopes of integrating it into the new DCU if it’s successful.
Blue Beetle’s place in the larger DC universe is hinted at in the trailer, with explicit references to Batman and visible buildings of LexCorp and Ace Chemicals. Furthermore, it suggests that Ted Kord, a previous hero named Blue Beetle, has a larger legacy in the DCU, with his lair showcasing classic suits and weapons. This expanded universe might include new characters and a long history within the DCU.
Release Date
Originally planned to debut on HBO Max, the Blue Beetle film is now scheduled for theatrical release on August 18, 2023. Despite the ongoing WGA and SAG Strike, Warner Bros. does not seem to have any intentions of delaying the film’s release. However, until the Strike is resolved, the actors and writers will be unable to participate in promoting the film.
