Blue Beetle Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot And More Details
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Blue Beetle is one of the most exciting superheroes in the DC Comics pantheon. Many different characters have taken up this mantle over the decades, with Jaime Reyes being the most recent. This brave youth fights crime with a dizzying array of superpowers and weaponry, which come from the mysterious alien artifact fused with his spine. Introduced in 2006, he's since become a beloved part of the DC universe — and now, he's coming to the silver screen in "Blue Beetle," his very own movie.
As diehard fans know, the "Blue Beetle" movie has been in development hell since 2018.But now, its debut date is finally drawing near. Jaime is set to have an epic adventure full of death-defying fights, alien intrigue, and familial love. He might just become one of the DC cinematic universe's most popular characters. Excited? We are too. Let's take a look at everything we know so far about DC's "Blue Beetle" movie.
When will Blue Beetle be released?
Fans have been waiting for a "Blue Beetle" movie for quite a while at this point: The first whispers about its production began in 2018. Information has trickled in ever since at a steadily increasing pace. News broke in 2018 that screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer had agreed to pen the "Blue Beetle" script. Director Angel Manuel Soto, who garnered attention and acclaim for his 2020 drama "Charm City Kings," signed onto the project in 2021. Fans learned in August 2021 that Xolo Maridueña was in talks to snag the titular role. The following year brought even more exciting news: Principal photography kicked off in May, and filming wrapped up in July.
While this steady stream of facts and figures kept fans satisfied for a while, one particular piece of information eluded them for months — the movie's release date. Initially, "Blue Beetle" was headed for a streaming release on HBO Max. But after some major shake-ups at Warner Bros., things changed in a major way. In December 2021, news broke that "Blue Beetle" would, in fact, be getting a theatrical release. It will hit theaters on August 18, 2023.
What is the plot of Blue Beetle?
So, what's "Blue Beetle" going to be about? First and foremost, it's about Jaime Reyes. When the movie kicks off, Jaime's fresh out of college and feeling lost. Things take an unexpected turn when he's entrusted with a mysterious package — one holding a mysterious alien object known as the Scarab. This shimmering robotic beetle comes promptly to life, leaping onto Jaime's face. But it doesn't attack him — it bonds with him. In choosing Jaime as its host, the symbiotic Scarab grants him an eye-popping exoskeleton that spreads over his skin like water. Empowered by its alien technology, Jaime becomes the Blue Beetle, who wields an incredible range of superpowers and weaponry.
This is pretty exciting stuff — but it's also seriously dangerous. Soon, Jaime finds himself confronting all manner of adversaries, from mercenary Conrad Carapax to businesswoman Victoria Kord. Luckily, Jaime has his tightly knit family behind him. With their support, he's set to discover what it means to be an adult, a hero, and the legendary Blue Beetle.
Notably, "Blue Beetle" will be keeping things closer to home than many other superhero flicks. "The idea was, for the first movie, we wanted to keep it as grounded as possible," director Angel Manuel Soto told Empire. "We wanted the dangers to be more one-to-one. We wanted him first to be the hero of his family and his area and his community, before he becomes the hero of the world. Before he becomes the hero of the universe. We didn't want him to save the planet from alien destruction on the first one." Family is particularly important to the film's story. As Soto told MovieMaker, "The love of Jaime's family helps him finish his journey and his arc."
Who is starring in Blue Beetle?
"Blue Beetle" boasts a glittering cast of famous faces and exciting up-and-comers. Xolo Maridueña stars as Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle. "Cobra Kai" fans will recognize him immediately as Miguel Diaz, Johnny Lawrence's first student, while "Parenthood" viewers will know him as Victor Graham. "Blue Beetle" won't be Maridueña's first time playing a role that began in the ink-and-paper world of comic books: He's lent his voice to children's cartoons "Cleopatra in Space" and "Big Nate," both of which adapt popular comic series.
The most recognizable names in the "Blue Beetle" cast are probably Susan Sarandon, who plays antagonist Victoria Kord, and George Lopez, who plays Jaime's uncle Rudy. Sarandon is a Hollywood icon beloved for her starring turns in movies like "Thelma & Louise," "Bull Durham," "Enchanted," and "The Witches of Eastwick." Lopez is among the most famous comedians in the world, with a plethora of eponymous TV shows to his name including "George Lopez," "Lopez Tonight," and "Lopez vs. Lopez."
Jaime's family is rounded out by Adriana Barraza (playing Nana, Jaime's grandmother), Damián Alcázar (playing Alberto, Jaime's father), Elpidia Carrillo (playing Rocio, Jaime's mother), and Belissa Escobedo (playing Milagro, Jaime's little sister). Bruna Marquezine will portray Jenny Kord, Jaime's love interest. Raoul Trujillo of "Mayans M.C." will play the ruthless mercenary Carapax.
Additionally, "What We Do in the Shadows" fans will be pleased to learn that Harvey Guillén is set to appear as Dr. Sanchez. You can also expect to hear the vocal talents of Becky G, the singer and "Power Rangers" actor, as she'll portray Khaji Da, the voice of the Scarab that gives Jaime his powers.
Who is directing Blue Beetle?
Director Angel Manuel Soto is at the helm of "Blue Beetle." Cinephiles are likeliest to know him from "Charm City Kings," which hit HBO Max in October 2020. This coming-of-age drama, which is based on the 2013 documentary "12 O'Clock Boys," follows Mouse, a 14-year-old kid from Baltimore who falls in love with motorbikes. Critics adored its eye-catching cinematography, passionate performances, true-to-life portrayal of motorbike culture, and vivid direction. "Charm City Kings" serves as a powerful mission statement for Soto, which bodes well for "Blue Beetle" fans: He's interested in what drives young people on the brink of something big, from their own glittering ambitions to their complex family ties. Just as Jaime Reyes must balance what his loved ones expect from him with his own dreams, Mouse must reconcile his love of motorbikes with his mother's desire to keep him away from them and the dangers they pose.
"Charm City Kings" isn't Soto's only pre-"Blue Beetle" project. The director has also put out a plethora of short films, including searing Puerto Rican drama "The Farm" and "El Gallo," which examines an intense father-son relationship shaped by the world of underground boxing.
Is there a trailer for Blue Beetle?
The first official trailer for "Blue Beetle" plants us firmly in Jaime Reyes' colorful world. DC's newest superhero calls gorgeous Palmera City home, and the trailer showcases the gorgeous metropolis' ocean views, shining skyscrapers, and quaint neighborhoods. The Reyes clan dwells in the latter environment, and we quickly meet Jaime's close-knit relatives. He seems especially close to his sister, Milagro, and he's got big dreams for his future.
Of course, that all goes sideways once he's entrusted with the Scarab — an alien device that bonds with him, much to his family's shock. The trailer dazzles viewers with quick glimpses of Jaime's powers, which include zooming into space, slicing through a bus, and forming an extremely cool sword.
The most recent trailer continues to highlight Jaime's powers, while also emphasizing his total bewilderment at suddenly becoming a superhero. "How do we get it to unchoose me?" he asks at one point. It seems a little late for that, as the Scarab takes him on a forced flight across the city. However, as the trailer progresses, Jaime becomes more adept at using his powers. "Whatever you can imagine," the Scarab says, "I can create." And he'll need that imagination to survive as Victoria Kord wants to get her greedy hands on the Scarab.
Ultimately, both trailers emphasize Jaime's bond with his loved ones. As Victoria's forces close in on his relatives, bruiser Conrad Carapax tells the young hero, "The love you feel for your family makes you weak." Jaime's response? "My family? That's what makes me strong." He's their protector, and they've clearly got his back, with his nana even showing up with a machine gun to protect her grandson. "Blue Beetle" is taking "family film" very literally, and we can't wait to see this superhero and relatives in action come August 18.
Is Blue Beetle part of the new DCU?
DC Comics' recent forays into the multiplex have been complicated, to say the least. Some movies, like "Wonder Woman," have been hits. But others, like "Suicide Squad" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" went down as infamous creative failures, which hamstrung the DC Extended Universe before it got the chance to stand on its own two legs. The media behemoth has attempted to address these flaws in a number of ways, but turning to James Gunn has turned out to be the most successful. After delivering two bonafide hits in "The Suicide Squad" and "Peacemaker," the dynamic director was named co-CEO and co-chair of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. Now, he's ready to debut the new DC Universe — and as it turns out, Blue Beetle will be its very first member.
This is not to say that "Blue Beetle" will be the first DCU film: As Gunn clarified on "Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum," that honor will belong to "Superman: Legacy." Moreover, as director Angel Manuel Soto revealed to Nestor Bentancor, "Blue Beetle" contains references to "Man of Steel." But Jaime Reyes will still be the DCU's very first character. This is a tad bit confusing, but in many ways, it makes sense. With its vivid action sequences, electric design sensibilities, and heartfelt tone, "Blue Beetle" is poised to be an ideal bridge between the tumultuous DCEU and the more classic, vibrant, and streamlined DCU.
Soto clarified the unique place "Blue Beetle" holds within the DCU to Total Film (via The Hollywood Reporter), saying, "We are part of the universe, we are part of the world, we are part of the plans that they have been creating for the future installments of the DCU. But we are not tied to all the films from the past. Yes, our movie lives in the world where superheroes exist. But that doesn't mean that a certain event, or certain alliance, or certain things from the past dictate where our film is going." Basically, you should think of "Blue Beetle" like an on-ramp into the DCU: unquestionably related to it, if not quite part of it.
What will Blue Beetle be rated?
As of this writing, "Blue Beetle" has been rated PG-13. This is the standard rating when it comes to superhero movies, no matter what fictional universe they're operating within: "Man of Steel," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" are all PG-13 flicks. There are certain exceptions, though, especially within DC's slate of movies. "Birds of Prey," "Joker," and "The Suicide Squad" are all R-rated.
You might notice a commonality between those films: They're all about villains or anti-heroes. Blue Beetle, in contrast, is a classic good guy. A PG-13 rating allows for genuinely exciting heroics with real stakes and a potent sense of peril, yet it also keeps the action from getting too gory, spooky, or heart-wrenching. The Classification and Rating Administration has already clarified why "Blue Beetle" has earned a PG-13 rating on their website, and it bears this out: They declare, "['Blue Beetle' is] rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, language, and some suggestive references." This sounds squarely in the superhero sweet spot.
Which Blue Beetles will appear in Blue Beetle?
In DC Comics, there are actually three different heroes to hold the title of Blue Beetle, and Jaime Reyes is the third in line. First appearing in 1939, the same year as Batman, the original Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, first donned beetle-inspired get-up. Garrett held the title until the mid-'60s when the second Blue Beetle, Ted Kord, took on the role. Unlike his predecessor, Kord didn't have a mystical Scarab to give him superpowers — he invented all of his own crime-fighting equipment, including his floating vehicle nicknamed "the Bug."
Jaime became the next Blue Beetle in 2006 right after Kord was murdered, taking Garrett's Scarab and gaining incredible superpowers. From then on, DC Comics promoted the heck out of their new Blue Beetle, advertising and adding him to just about anything they could to get the character out there. In addition to being a recurring character in the animated series "Batman: The Brave & the Bold" and later "Young Justice," Jaime's Blue Beetle first appeared in live action opposite Booster Gold in Season 10 of "Smallville."
Obviously, Jaime is the main character of the upcoming "Blue Beetle" motion picture, but some nods and references to both Garrett and Kord (including their costumes, seen in the trailer) have led many to believe that, if they're not already dead, the other two Beetles may appear in some capacity. In truth, seeing them might depend upon audience turnout: In an interview with Fandango, Xolo Maridueña noted, "If [the movie] does well, we'll get to open more doors for more Blue Beetles ... So, so many Beetles from so many comics to choose from."
Will any other DC heroes show up?
Aside from the other two heroes wearing blue spandex, given that "Blue Beetle" takes place in the DC Universe, the question of whether any other live-action DC stars will cameo deserves a clear-cut answer. While we won't know for sure until the movie comes out, it's entirely possible that non-Blue Beetle major characters will pop their heads in for a moment or two.
While DC Studios head James Gunn has made it clear that "Blue Beetle" isn't the first chronological DCU film in his highly anticipated "Gods and Monsters" series of movies and television shows, Jaime and his supporting cast could easily be incorporated into whatever plans Gunn and Peter Safran currently have. But despite not being an official entry in the new DCU, the "Blue Beetle" trailer makes mention of the Dark Knight, with one of the characters even calling Batman a "fascist." Setting aside the debatable veracity of that statement, it shows that "Blue Beetle" takes place in a world where Batman exists.
Between a Batman mention and the references to the other Blue Beetles, it's entirely possible that other Justice Leaguers might cameo by the end of "Blue Beetle." There were plenty of secret cameos laced into "The Flash," and it isn't exactly a stretch for a superhero movie to tease a bigger universe. With "Booster Gold" being one of the big projects slated for the upcoming DCU, maybe "Blue Beetle" will set the stage for his arrival.
Where was Blue Beetle filmed?
According to reports, "Blue Beetle" began production in May 2022 around the Atlanta area. Specifically, the film was shot at Wilder Studios in Decatur. It isn't uncommon nowadays for a big-budget superhero production to shoot in Atlanta as opposed to Los Angeles. Many of the Marvel Studios features have been shot there over the years, and some of the most recent DC films — "Black Adam" and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" — were shot, at least in part, in Georgia as well. Additionally, James Gunn's "Superman: Legacy" is set to film in Atlanta in 2024.
But aside from the usual Southern locale, principal photography for "Blue Beetle" also occurred in Puerto Rico and in the character's comic book hometown of El Paso, Texas. In the comics, Jaime Reyes comes from the border town of El Paso where he's first bonded to the Scarab and learns to be a superhero. His original comic book series, which ran from 2006 until 2009, largely takes place in West Texas. Though the cinematic Jaime is from Palmera City, this fictional metropolis is clearly based on El Paso.
One thing that always set Jaime apart as a superhero was his strong commitment to his family and friends — he reveals his secret identity to them pretty early on — so setting the film in the character's hometown makes obvious sense. Knowing that, it seems likely that Jaime's supporting cast will be continuously involved in his adventures going forward.
Which comics inspired the plot of the film?
Unsurprisingly, "Blue Beetle" is based on a variety of DC Comics stories that might be fun to revisit if you're a Blue Beetle fan. According to director Angel Manuel Soto, there are a few in particular that had some real influence on the production of the film. "There are so many great things, from 'Infinite Crisis' to the new series, 'Blue Beetle: Graduation Day,' which actually took a lot from what we did in the movie," he said at a press event. The director also cited the video game "Injustice 2" as an inspiration when putting "Blue Beetle" together, as well as the 2011 New 52 rebrand for the specific design for Jaime's alien suit of armor.
Of course, the Jaime Reyes version of Blue Beetle first appeared in the "Infinite Crisis" story in 2006, which was the first direct sequel to the beloved "Crisis on Infinite Earths." In the series, Jaime is recruited by Booster Gold and Batman to help spot the rogue A.I. Brother Eye (Jaime's Scarab is the only thing that can see it) before it can assimilate all of Earth's metahumans.
As Soto mentioned, "Blue Beetle: Graduation Day," though released before the feature film, actually took inspiration from the "Blue Beetle" movie by incorporating elements such as Jaime's high school graduation, Palmera City, and Victoria Kord into the DC Comics mythos, proving that sometimes live-action media dictates the comics; it's not always the other way around.
Who is the villain in Blue Beetle?
When it comes to menacing baddies, "Blue Beetle" has quite a few to offer. The first is Victoria Kord, played by Susan Sarandon. Likely related to the second Blue Beetle, Ted Kord — she's his sister in the comics — Victoria is after the Scarab for herself and Kord Industries. Though her ultimate goals are unknown, she looks to be a formidable opponent for the newly minted superhero. As Sarandon remarked on The Tonight Show, "I'm the white military-industrial complex, so I had a fabulous time, because there's nothing better than being bad."
Victoria isn't the only baddie on the "Blue Beetle" block. Raoul Max Trujillo's Carapax the Indestructible Man is another major antagonist. Admittedly, Carapax isn't the most recognizable supervillain from the DC Universe, but he originally appeared in the 1980s as a foil to Ted Kord's incarnation of Blue Beetle (and an enemy of Dan Garrett's before him), again tying prior versions of Blue Beetle to the film.
Along with Victoria and Carapax, it's possible that the Reach may also be involved. A group of aliens who initially constructed the Scarab, the Reach have been hunting it down ever since it went missing. In the comics, this leads them to El Paso where all hell breaks loose. Though unconfirmed, it's entirely possible that they'll appear in the film and send their agents to hunt Jaime down.