Summary
As aBlue BeetleTV show is happening with DC Studios, the leading star finally elaborates on the upcomingDC Universespinoff. DC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery are actively working onJames Gunn’s DC Universe, which will replace the former DCEU franchise on both the big and small screens. However, a few characters from the old DC regime will be making their way over to the DC Universe, including Jaime Reyes, a.k.a. Blue Beetle, who made his cinematic debut in 2023.
While Gunn and DC Studios haven’t publicly talked about it yet,aBlue Beetleanimated showis in development, serving as a continuation of the 2023 movie. Following the initial report,Blue Beetle’sXolo Maridueña finally opened up more about the exciting news on the latest episode of theLone Lobos with Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrandpodcast that he runs with hisCobra Kaico-star Jacob Bertrand. To begin with, Maridueña expanded on when he was first approached aboutBlue Beetleunder DC Studios, as he shared the following:
Xolo Maridueña: They told me about this project early into us doing this year of Cobra Kai, very early on, I was like, ‘So I think it should be this, this, this, and this,’ and they’re like, ‘Yeah!’ Blue Beetle is back, I am so excited! I think there is an opportunity on each platform to really make something shine. Like in a movie, you had the opportunity to do the movie stuff. In a TV show, you have the chance to do long format. In an animated show, the fact that this kid likes anime and can make whatever freaking weapon he wants and has this suit that lights up - if they do the suit right in animated, I wonder if it’s going to look exactly like the movie suit or if it’s going to look a little different or if it’s going to look a little bit, depending on what the art style is, if it’s going to look a little bit different.
During the episode, Bertrand passionately suggested to Maridueña to advise theBlue Beetlecreative team to include anime references. While Maridueña seemed hopeful about the prospect, he also teased the possibility of theBlue Beetlemovie cast membersreturning to voice their characters, stating the following:
Xolo Maridueña: Bro, I hope so; there were in the movie, yeah, if this is a continuation… I’m excited, I think everyone… I don’t know who’s coming back [moves eyes back and forth comedically.] It depends, I don’t know what the story is going to be.
Jacob Bertrand: They got to get George Lopez back.
Xolo Maridueña: Oh, he’s definitely coming back, are you kidding me? He’s forcing his way back. [Said jokingly]
DCU Chapter One Gods And Monsters: Every Movie & Show In The New DC Universe
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe begins with six movies and six shows that open the DCU’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters”.
Why A Blue Beetle Animated Series Is Perfect For James Gunn’s DC Universe
While time will tell when DC Studios will speak Beetle, the prospect of an animated show is one of the best things that could happen to Maridueña’s superhero. Even though the live-action film struggled financially - partially due to 2023’s Hollywood strikes, which prevented the cast from being able to promote it -theBlue Beetlemoviewas still well received as the general audience got introduced to the DC hero’s mythology. With the option for live-action appearances later on, aBlue Beetleanimated show can take Jaime’s story in the DC Universe to a higher level.
With DC Studios having the format where actors who are part ofthe DC Universe TV showsand movies play their characters in live-action and animation,Blue Beetlecan dig more into the lore and continue developing Jaime before potentially returning to live-action. Producing aBlue Beetleshow in animated form is also more cost-effective, especially for Warner Bros. Discovery, as they have been focusing the last few years on their financial strategies. However, depending on the animation style,Blue Beetlecould be on the same level as other animated properties likeX-Men ‘97,My Adventures With Superman,Invincible, andArcane.
It’s key to remember some of Blue Beetle’s most prominent media appearances have been through animation, includingYoung Justice, allowing DC Studios to lean into a medium Jaime already benefits from as they bring him into the DC Universe. It will be interesting to see what DC Universe characters could appear inBlue Beetle, as Gunn has already announced a lot of heroes and villains joining the franchise. Given that theBlue Beetleanimated show has been in the works for some time, hopefully more news regarding the series is on its way over the next few months.
Blue Beetle
Cast
Blue Beetle is a 2023 action film focusing on Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate who returns home to find his world changed. His life takes a turn when he discovers the Scarab, an ancient alien relic that grants him extraordinary powers, setting him on a new path.
Source:Lone Lobos with Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand/YouTube
