This summer, Hollywood veteran Susan Sarandon is set to challenge the box office numbers with her appearance in the DC Universe’s “Blue Beetle.” A seasoned actress, having kickstarted her journey in the entertainment industry back in 1970, Sarandon is taking her maiden venture into superhero cinema.
Making the Leap into the Superhero Realm
Despite her lengthy filmography, Sarandon has never graced the big screens as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or the erstwhile DCEU, which concluded with “The Flash.” What drew her to the role of the ambitious and sinister Victoria Kord in “Blue Beetle” was none other than the movie’s visionary director, Angel Manuel Soto.
Sharing her enthusiasm for the project with Entertainment Weekly, Sarandon remarked on Soto’s passionate approach to filmmaking, noting his artistic background and genuine admiration for superhero lore.
Victoria Kord: A Symbol of Power and Intrigue
A major pull for Sarandon, in addition to collaborating with Soto, was the intricate character of Victoria Kord. She was particularly fascinated by Kord’s overarching motivations and the multifaceted themes present in “Blue Beetle.”
In her conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Sarandon explained how Victoria Kord embodies the “theme of imperialism in the name of democracy.” The character becomes the face of this machination, aiming to harness wealth, uranium, and other resources under the veil of democratic salvation. These profound motifs, she felt, added layers to the storytelling.
Interestingly, while Victoria Kord makes her cinematic debut in “Blue Beetle,” she was introduced in the DC Universe’s comics, specifically “Blue Beetle: Graduation Day No. 2,” released in February 2023.
The Battle Lines are Drawn
Sarandon’s character, Victoria Kord, emerges as the prime antagonist to Blue Beetle, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña. Under the skilled direction of Angel Manuel Soto, this film charts the rivalry between the leader of Kord Industries and the titular hero. Kord’s unrelenting pursuit of power forms the crux of this narrative.
Shedding light on her character’s psyche, Sarandon described Victoria Kord as someone singularly devoted to Kord Industries. This unwavering dedication is so intense that it eclipses all other aspects of her life, be it family, friendships, or personal relationships.
A standout element for Sarandon, apart from immersing herself in her role, was the diverse ensemble cast of “Blue Beetle.” The shared commitment to the project, driven by genuine passion rather than mere monetary motivations, was palpable on set.
The Challenges Looming for DC
The financial aspect of filmmaking cannot be overlooked, especially given recent hurdles faced by DC projects. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, David Zaslav, experienced a significant setback when the anticipated $90-million “Batgirl” film, which was to feature Michael Keaton’s Batman, was shelved. Following this, “The Flash” failed to make its mark at the box office.
Now, as “Blue Beetle” readies for its release on August 18, predictions hint at a challenging road ahead. The film, backed by a hefty $120-million budget, is projected to earn only between $27 million and $55 million domestically.
Conclusion
Susan Sarandon’s foray into the DC Universe with “Blue Beetle” is undoubtedly a significant milestone in her illustrious career. While she and the team bring passion, talent, and dedication to the table, only time will tell how the audience responds to this cinematic offering. One thing is for sure: Sarandon’s portrayal of Victoria Kord promises to be a memorable addition to the world of superhero movies.
