The superhero world has a new entrant, and it’s none other than Blue Beetle, the DC Universe’s latest cinematic addition. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and headlined by Xolo Maridueña, this film offers an authentic representation of Latino culture and shows what happens when a young boy, Jaime Reyes, suddenly gains superpowers, thanks to an alien entity known as the Scarab.
The Importance of Latino Representation
Staying true to its roots, Blue Beetle celebrates Latino heritage by showcasing Mexican and Mexican-American actors. Xolo Maridueña, recognizable from Netflix’s Cobra Kai, plays Jaime Reyes. It’s common for newcomers to the superhero universe to receive mid-six-figure salaries, a trend that has persisted for the past decade.
Supporting cast salaries are separate, and include seasoned actors like Damián Alcázar, playing Jaime’s father, Alberto Reyes, a five-time Ariel Award winner. Moreover, Hollywood’s George Lopez, known for the “The George Lopez Show”, brings the character of Uncle Rudy Reyes to life.
The Challenge of Budget Limitations
Special Effects
While exact numbers aren’t public, it’s clear that the Blue Beetle team had to be innovative with their budget, especially concerning the special effects. Originally intended for a Max debut, which traditionally means a smaller budget, director Soto opted for practical effects over high-cost CGI. He remarked, “[W]e were able to be smart about how we handled our budget… And oddly enough, that also makes it feel bigger and more immersed… it was a way for us to be able to stretch our budget in a way that kind of delivers on it, I guess.“
Film Locations
The film is set in Palmera City, a fictional location resembling Miami but with a touch of New York and Los Angeles. Main filming locations included Wilder Studios in Decatur, Georgia, as well as El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The climax scene is notably set in the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historical Spanish fortress in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The significance and popularity of this location probably meant a hefty fee to shoot there.
Promotion Hurdles and Collaborations
Exact details about the promotional strategy for Blue Beetle remain undisclosed. The SAG-AFTRA strike might pose challenges in promotional activities involving actors. However, fans are supporting the film on Twitter using the hashtag #BlueBeetleBattalion. In a notable collaboration, Toyota’s Tacoma plays an integral role in the movie, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the superhero.
Box Office Breakdown
For Blue Beetle to break even, considering its production budget of $104 million, it needs to rake in about $208 million globally. Ideally, to label it a success, it should close around $300 million.
Currently, Blue Beetle stands at a global debut of $43 million, slightly behind other DC Universe offerings like Birds of Prey and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. It’s expected to earn between $140 million and $170 million by the end of its second weekend. However, at this pace, it may not achieve the break-even target.
Box Office Position
Despite its moderate opening, Blue Beetle topped the charts, pushing Barbie from its dominant position. It competes with films like The Equalizer, Gran Turismo, and Barbenheimer.
Conclusion
Blue Beetle showcases the importance of representation and innovation in the face of budget constraints. While its box office journey has been moderate so far, the passion and dedication behind the film cannot be undermined. Whether or not it achieves its target, Blue Beetle remains a significant addition to the DC Universe, both culturally and cinematically.
