The Blue Beetle is back in action! Xolo Maridueña is officially returning for the same role in James Gunn’s DC Universe.
According to TheWrap, the Cobra Kai star will reprise the hero in DC Studios’ main continuity, alongside characters carried over from the previous cinematic universe, including John Cena’s Peacemaker.
As Jaime Reyes, Maridueña plays the first Latino superhero to lead a standalone DC film.
The character gains his powers from an ancient alien scarab that encases him in advanced alien weapon-armour.
Reintroducing Blue Beetle
Maridueña will be joining David Corenswet (Superman), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Lars Eidinger (Brainiac), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific) and Adria Arjona (Maxima) in the upcoming film.
His return in “Man of Tomorrow” will also be DCU’s official reintroduction of the character, according to The Wrap.
Gunn has long made it clear that Blue Beetle has a place in his rebooted DC Universe, previously confirming that Jaime Reyes is the franchise’s first official DCU character.
“The first DCU character, for sure, Blue Beetle, and the first full DCU movie is ‘Superman,'” Gunn said on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast following the release of “Blue Beetle.”
Truly fulfilled
Meanwhile, the actor himself was thrilled to be part of the DCU continuity.
“Regardless of if we get 20 movies or if it’s just this one, I feel truly fulfilled,” Maridueña said in a report by Variety.
“If we get to do another one, I’m so ready – and sh*t, I’ll put on another 20 pounds and get even bigger.”
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Milestone for Latino representation
The first “Blue Beetle” movie debuted in theatres in August 2023.
Maridueña’s character, Jaime Reyes, is a Mexican American recent college graduate who gains superpowers after becoming the host of an ancient alien scarab, which encases him in technologically advanced armour with a built-in arsenal.
The film was directed by Angel Manuel Soto.
It resonated well with Latino audiences and received generally favourable reviews, earning USD130.8 million at the global box office.
Streaming platforms
The movie later found more popularity on streaming platforms and was one of HBO Max’s most-watched titles.
“The only thing that is on my mind right now is just the fact that he’s Latino. I have so much pride in getting to be a part of this project with Angel, someone like him,” Maridueña said back in 2023.
“I think it’s so important, and I don’t want to stand on the soapbox for too long, but representation is so important.”
Meanwhile, Man of Tomorrow is in production and is scheduled to hit the screens on July 9, 2027.
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