DC Comics fans are in for a treat with the upcoming release of “Blue Beetle,” the first Latino superhero to grace the big screen. Warner Bros. has released the highly anticipated first trailer for the film, which features Xolo Maridueña as the titular character.
In the trailer, viewers are introduced to Jaime Reyes, the third character to don the Blue Beetle suit in the DC comic books. During a job interview, Reyes is handed a mysterious alien scarab inside a fast food container. Unaware of what the scarab is, he waits to open the container until he’s with his family. Upon opening it, the scarab attaches itself to Reyes’ body and transforms into an Iron Man-like super suit. This unique subversion of the classic superhero trope, where the hero hides his identity from family and friends, sets the stage for a new take on the genre.
What’s more, the Reyes version of Blue Beetle is one of the most prominent Latino superheroes in comics, and the film features a predominantly Latino cast. Actors such as George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo, Damián Alcázar, and Belissa Escobedo play Reyes’ family members, while Bruna Marquezine stars as his love interest, Penny. Raoul Trujillo portrays the villain Carapax the Indestructible Man, and “What We Do in the Shadows” star Harvey Guillén also joins the cast. Susan Sarandon portrays the main villain, Victoria Kord, who is the sister of the previous owner of the Blue Beetle scarab, Ted Kord.
Angel Manuel Soto, the director best known for his work on “Charm City Kings,” directs “Blue Beetle” from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. Originally slated as an HBO Max original film, the project was shifted to a theatrical release by Warner Bros. before James Gunn and Peter Safran became co-CEOs of DC Studios. “Blue Beetle” is scheduled to release on August 18, 2023.
The trailer offers a glimpse into what promises to be an action-packed and culturally significant film. With its predominantly Latino cast and a story that subverts traditional superhero tropes, “Blue Beetle” is set to make waves in the industry and among DC Comics fans alike. Don’t miss the chance to see Xolo Maridueña take flight as the Blue Beetle on the big screen this August.
