Blue Beetle at the Movies: Another Superhero Movie? Yes, but it is historical

After The Flash and awaiting the return of Aquaman (which may be pushed back to 2024 due to the actors and writers strike), DC is launching another superhero that is less well-known to the public (despite his presence in the fighting game casting. Injustice 2), at the deep end of cinemas: The Blue Beetle.

He’s also called Scarabée Bleu in France, a name that relates more to the world of The Mummy than to the world of superheroes, but the character is as old as Batman, as he was also born in 1939. But on the pages Mystery Men ComicsPublished by Fox Feature Syndicate.

Like many heroes of the Golden Age of Comics (1938 – 1954), the 1950s proved to be a disaster for him, and he was forgotten when the bankruptcy of Fox Feature Syndicate led him to Charlton Comics. Who completely reboots his adventures in 1966…then sells the rights to the character to DC when it in turn files for bankruptcy in 1983.

First a vitamin-doped and special-geared policeman, then an archaeologist who gains powers through contact with a magical artifact, Blue Beetle is the alter ego of the latter’s student, Ted Cord. He occasionally contributes to the Justice League before giving way to Jaime Reyes in 2006.

Seventeen years later, according to this feature, Blue Beetle made its debut after it was destined for the HBO Max platform. But Warner and DC have changed their minds about Angel Manuel Soto’s feature film, offering it a theatrical run that gives it a bit of a historical twist.

Because Blue Beetle becomes the first superhero movie with a Latino title. Discovered in Cobra Kai, where he plays Miguel Diaz, Xolo Mariduena here plays Jaime, a teenager chosen by the Beetle, a former relic of extraterrestrial biotechnology.

With his new powers, he will especially face off against a villain played by Susan Sarandon. In a feature film that allows diversity and representation to take a step forward, as its director explains.

AlloCiné: What was your approach to “Blue Beetle”? And what sets it apart from other superhero movies?

Angel Manuel Soto : I tried to be as authentic as possible. The most sincere, considering that such an opportunity does not happen very often. More so in Latin American society. That’s why we wanted to finally show ourselves, to be the heroes of our own stories. And maybe it will open the door to other stories.

What can you tell us about your casting?

They are my joy and pride. I love them very much. They understood the mission that was ours, but above all, they put everything they had into their characters. It was great to see how they were able to bring something personal to them while still acknowledging that they were representing themselves.

As for Susan, for example, she understood what her character represented on a grander scale than the film. Like the ally that he is, he did his best to deliver this incredible performance for us. As for Xolo, he became the hero he never knew he should be. The one we’ve all been waiting for. I can’t wait to see how the rest of Jamie’s family will emerge as heroes in the future.

Such an opportunity doesn’t happen that often. Moreover, in Latin American society.

What was the biggest challenge for you?

Without a doubt, focus on the story I wanted to tell. The Latin experience is made up of so many different experiences that I want to talk about that choosing which one to talk about in this film was not easy. But the great thing is, we’re sure this won’t be the last time we see a superhero movie starring Latinos.

We don’t see what’s happening to Jamie and his family lately either. We have more opportunities to expand the Latin experience and invite people into our world. Because she is as beautiful as you saw in the movie.

Which of Blue Beetle’s powers is your favorite?

I think that’s when he manages to create this huge saber. I’ve always wanted to be able to do something like that and do it the way he does. Especially when he can create what he wants: in fact I am what we find in the film at that time.

What do you think audiences will take away from this film?

That we can all be the heroes of our own stories if it is done with heart and we trust those who support us. Family, that’s where its strength lies. You should not take it for granted, but always keep it close to you, because it will always give you the strength you need to succeed.

Blue Beetle is a family adventure film full of action, humor and emotion. For all the viewers and I hope it inspires them to become the heroes they were meant to be.

Interview by Emmanuel Ittieri in Los Angeles on July 25, 2023