DC's Blue Beetle Concept Artist Emphasizes Empowering Latino Representation in Film

Summary

The representation of the Latino community by Blue Beetle holds great significance, and ensuring the presence of Latino voices at all stages, including concept artists, contributes to an authentic portrayal in the movie.

Including diverse voices in the creative process promotes diversity and fairness, fostering collaboration and the incorporation of cultural references to enhance the authenticity of the film. It is vital for Hollywood to represent underrepresented stories and cultures, and Blue Beetle's depiction of a hero who embodies the Latino community has the potential to inspire and deeply connect with a wide range of viewers.

Co-owner of 9B Collective and concept artist for Blue Beetle, Phil Boutte, emphasizes the significance of Latino representation in all aspects of the film, including the involvement of Latino concept artists. With the increasing diversity in comic book movies, such as Black Panther, Shang-Chi, and Wonder Woman, Blue Beetle serves as an important milestone for Latino and specifically Mexican representation in the superhero genre on the silver screen.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Boutte sheds light on his company's contribution to the movie and highlights the importance of having Latino artists involved to ensure authenticity throughout the production. He also shares insights into the collaborative process between 9B Collective and director Ángel Manuel Soto. See Boutte's complete statement below:

Phil Boutte explained that he and his team were brought in by Angel and producer John Rickard to serve as a conceptual hub and bring in diverse voices for the project. The majority of the team on 9B consisted of Latin individuals specifically chosen to work with the creatives on the project and ensure the presence of diverse perspectives. Their goal was not only to have diversity on the project but also to ensure equity, allowing these individuals to have a genuine impact and be actively involved in the collaboration process. Angel was open to collaboration and actively sought cultural references to create an authentic experience within the film, which was the main purpose of their inclusion on the team.

Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the movie covered here would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.

Why It Was Important For Blue Beetle To Have Latino Creators Behind It

For stories like Blue Beetle to truly resonate, it is crucial to have the individuals being portrayed on screen as integral participants throughout the entire production journey, spanning development, writing, preproduction, production, and post-production. A standout aspect of Blue Beetle lies within the Reyes family, as they exude authenticity. The film masterfully captures the essence of this family and their unwavering ability to inspire Jaime Reyes as he transforms into Blue Beetle.

Concept artists play a crucial role in bringing the more fantastical aspects of movies, such as super suits and secret layers, to life visually. Moreover, they contribute to making the characters feel authentic by incorporating relatable references. In movies like Black Panther, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Blue Beetle, the theme of family is vital to the heroes' development, although each family portrayed is unique.

For this representation to be genuine, it is crucial to involve individuals who have lived and understand these stories, as they can recognize the significance and incorporate meaningful elements. Hollywood should prioritize telling stories that focus on those whose narratives have been overlooked for far too long. The importance of this representation, both on and off the screen, cannot be emphasized enough. Blue Beetle, as a hero, has the power to inspire countless people by not only embodying heroism but also by finally showcasing their own families and cultures on the grand stage of cinema.