the launch of HBO Max, the studio has begun utilizing its DC properties with original movies or TV shows that are tied to the films. One of DC's many iconic superheroes on their way to the DCEU is Jaime Reyes, a.k.a. Blue Beetle, who will star in his solo film, featuring Maridueña as the lead.
Originally, Blue Beetle was set to be an exclusive HBO Max project before Warner Bros. shifted their plans by turning it into a theatrical film. The movie, which will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto, follows the beloved teenage hero who discovers a mysterious alien scarab that turns him into the Blue Beetle. While this will be Jaime's cinematic debut, Blue Beetle is making history as it'll be the first live-action superhero movie to be headlined by a Latino character. With principal photography coming up, Blue Beetle has been adding several cast , including What We Do In The Shadows' Harvey Guillén.
During DC FanDome 2021, fans got a first look at what Blue Beetle's costume will look like through concept art. In a new interview with Teen Vogue, Maridueña chatted briefly about his excitement in stepping into the iconic DC role. While the Cobra Kai actor had done suit fittings last year, Maridueña has yet to wear the finished product. Not only is he ready to finally try it on, but Maridueña spoke heavily about the impact Blue Beetle will have as the comic book movie genre continues to improve on its diversity representation. Read what he said below:
“All I can think about is how exciting it’s going to be. It’s going to touch on a lot of things that haven’t been touched on before in superhero movies…. I haven’t had the chance to put on the suit yet or anything like that. Once it happens, it’ll feel real. It’s special to see yourself portrayed in a positive manner. With this project, people are going to realize that the Latino experience is not a monolith.”
Given the advanced design of the costume in the comics, it will be intriguing to see how they are translating it to screen. Mayes C. Rubeo, who is attached as the costume designer, is no stranger to the superhero world, as her resumé includes Thor: Ragnarok, Thor: Love and Thunder, and WandaVision. Even though this will be the first time the costume gets the cinematic experience, Blue Beetle made his live-action debut during Smallville season 10. However, Smallville's adaptation of the extraterrestrial armor wasn't exactly memorable, which is fair when dealing with a TV budget for a show in its tenth year.
Once filming gets rolling, Warner Bros. will likely release an official promotional still of Maridueña in the Blue Beetle suit before it gets spotted in public via set images. Aside from seeing his costume in action, there are still a lot of mysteries about Blue Beetle, including who will be the story's big bad. What's also intriguing is the inclusion of Kord Industries through the concept art, perhaps hinting that Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle, is involved in some capacity. As 2022 progresses, eager DCEU fans will ideally begin to learn a ton more about Blue Beetle.
Source: Teen Vogue
