In a recent conversation with ScreenRant, Xolo Maridueña shared optimistic views about Blue Beetle’s future within the revamped DC Universe (DCU).
Despite the film’s modest box office performance, Maridueña is confident in Blue Beetle’s resurgence under the new leadership of DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. During an appearance at the Saturn Awards, where he was nominated for Best Younger Actor, he stated:
“I know we’ll see Blue Beetle again, whether it comes in the form of ‘Blue Beetle 2’ or wherever. It’s been great to work alongside James [Gunn] and Peter [Safran], who have graciously folded us into their new universe even though it wasn’t part of what they came up with. It’s an honor. Now, where Blue Beetle will head in the future? I don’t know. But I can confidently say that we will see him soon.”
However, the details of Blue Beetle’s return, whether in a direct sequel or another format, remain uncertain.
Original ‘Blue Beetle’ Was a Box-Office Failure
Premiered in August 2023, ‘Blue Beetle‘ was one of the last projects to emerge from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) before the transition to the DCU. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and featuring Maridueña in the lead role, the film introduced us to Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate who gains superpowers from an ancient alien relic.
While the movie became a streaming favorite on HBO Max, it faced challenges at the box office. Grossing $131 million worldwide against a budget of $104–125 million, it became the lowest-grossing installment in the 15-movie DCEU franchise.
The original ‘Blue Beetle’ film was also a milestone in representation as the first live-action film to feature a Latino superhero in the lead. Maridueña himself has expressed pride in bringing Latino representation to the superhero genre.
Gunn has also been vocal about the importance of Blue Beetle in the DCU, signaling a role for Jaime Reyes in future narratives. So, on top of Maridueña’s recent statements, the possibility isn’t low.
