One of the few remaining DC Extended Universe films in the pre-James Gunn era is set to release in theaters on August 18, 2023 in the form of Blue Beetle.
After Jaime Reyes graduates from college and returns to his hometown Palmera City, he is chosen to become a symbiotic host to the Scarab, an ancient alien biotechnological relic that grants him a powerful exoskeleton armor, turning him into a superhero.
The film was directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer as the 14th film in the DCEU. Blue Beetle stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle alongside Adriana Barraza as Nana, Damián Alcázar as Alberto Reyes, Raoul Max Trujillo as Conrad Carapax / Indestructible Man, Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, George Lopez as Rudy, Elpidia Carrillo as Rocio Reyes, and Belissa Escobedo as Milagro Reyes. Additionally, Bruna Marquezine portrays Jenny Kord, Harvey Guillén portrays Dr. Sanchez and Becky G voices Khaji-Da.
The design of Blue Beetle’s suit by Mayes C. Rubeo and Nine B Collective was inspired from his appearance in Infinite Crisis #3, the Injustice games, Young Justice, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
James Gunn has mentioned Blue Beetle is the first character of the new DC Universe, but Superman: Legacy will be the first DCU film. Stating the film was “disconnected” from previous DCEU entries and more part of the DCU. Director Angel Manuel Soto would like the film to be the first of a trilogy, but nothing is set in stone.
The budget for the DCEU film was estimated around $120 million. Blue Beetle is projected to earn $12-17 million in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, with a projected domestic total of $27-55 million.
