Insights from 'Blue Beetle' Director: Lessons from Set and Fans

Article Summary

Blue Beetle's director, Ángel Manuel Soto, had a special fan interaction with three dedicated fans who formed a supportive brotherhood/sisterhood/friendship.

Soto discovered the value of representation while creating the film, observing its profound impact on viewers who finally witnessed genuine portrayals of themselves and their culture.

By prioritizing character development and storytelling over extravagant explosions in superhero films, Soto highlights the importance of resourcefulness and staying true to the essence of filmmaking.

The reason why Blue Beetle is such an enjoyable superhero film is because it follows the journey of a recent college graduate who has dreams and ambitions but lacks a clear plan for how to achieve them. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters an ancient artifact called the Scarab, which grants him extraordinary powers. However, these newfound abilities come with their own set of challenges, and Jaime Reyes (played by Xolo Maridueña) relies on the support of his family across generations to help him navigate through them.

In an exclusive interview with our website to promote the release of Blue Beetle on 4K Ultra HD, director Ángel Manuel Soto shares a remarkable fan interaction, discusses the valuable insights gained from audience reactions, highlights the lessons learned from his previous projects that influenced his approach to this superhero story, expresses his desire for more time during the production process, emphasizes the importance of forming a personal connection to the projects he works on, reflects on the lessons about big visual effects movies that he learned from Blue Beetle, and underscores the significance of self-trust and staying true to one's vision.

Our website: Throughout your film promotion, you've had the opportunity to meet countless fans. Is there a particular interaction that stood out to you, one that held significant meaning and truly captured what you had hoped to hear?

ÁNGEL MANUEL SOTO: Absolutely. They refer to themselves as the Blue Beetle Holy Trinity. Among them, we have @comic_face (Javier Zavalap), @jenkz.p (Jenkins Peeler), and @aranzazuincera (Aranza Zuincera). One hails from Peru, another from Mexico, and the third from Atlanta. They formed a tight-knit brotherhood, sisterhood, or friendship, constantly offering support and sharing daily content. When I traveled to Mexico for the premiere, we invited Aranza to join us. She's like a daughter to me, calling us Papa and Mama. Later, during the premiere in L.A., we surprised them with a trip so that they could all meet and enjoy the event together as a family. It was an exceptionally beautiful sight. This particular interaction meant the world to me as it showcased just how much this film resonated with all three of them.

Image via Warner Bros.

That’s really cool.

SOTO: It’s surreal. I love those kids. They’re great.

What did audiences teach you about the film, that you maybe hadn’t even realized yourself, being as close as you are?

SOTO: I underestimated the significance of representation. Despite discussing it extensively and considering its hypothetical implications, I have never experienced it as a viewer. However, by creating this film with a Latino cast, a Latino writer, and a protagonist who authentically portrays us in a positive light, I realized the true purpose behind my endeavor. Engrossed in the process, it becomes difficult to truly appreciate the work at hand. I pursue this passion because I love it and because I want to create art that can profoundly impact and change lives. Witnessing the emotional response from individuals who finally see themselves represented on screen has been a beautiful thing. Parents are excited that their children now have a hero who resembles them and serves as a role model. This amalgamation of emotions reminds me of the profound influence art holds in our lives.

This film, essentially, embodies the essence of family and community, cleverly disguised as a superhero movie.

SOTO: One hundred percent.

Image via Warner Bros.

When it came to your previous work before Blue Beetle, what do you think prepared you the most for tackling everything involved in this project? Since it was such a massive film to jump into, what gave you the confidence that you were ready for it?

SOTO: Being highly resourceful was crucial. While it's true that this is a big-budget movie with $100 million, it's still just one-third of what superhero movies typically have. In some ways, more money means more problems. It becomes larger in scale, but with more money comes more issues and difficulties. So, ultimately, it's about being resourceful and never forgetting the basics. The foundation lies in the characters, the performances, the acting, and the environment. These are the elements that have always remained at the forefront for me. To me, the location is not simply a backdrop; it's a vital character, and the people around you are not just extras, but integral parts of that character. Whether it's working on La Granja, Charm City Kings, or Blue Beetle, while the budgets may increase, my mindset remains grounded in indie sensibilities and emphasizing what truly matters in the story. It's not about the size of the explosions; they play a supporting role, and there are certain conventions to follow in the superhero genre. However, the heart lies in the characters. By focusing on that, I was able to rally everyone together and make them understand, "This is what counts. Everything else will support it." This approach has carried through all my different projects and has been my guiding light.

Do you constantly find yourself wanting to make changes as a filmmaker, or do you have a clear sense of when your work is complete?

SOTO: I tend to feel this way mostly during the production phase. In pre-production, you may think you have everything covered, but then you realize that there are various unpredictable factors that come into play during actual filming. A director also needs to be perceptive and understanding of each individual's unique perspective and sensibilities, which can change from day to day. With all these variables, there's always room for improvement, so I could continue shooting for a long time because unexpected and magical moments can arise. However, in post-production, once I feel satisfied with the result, I'm ready to move forward. Given the opportunity, I would prefer to spend more time on production, without a doubt.

Can you watch the movie and enjoy it, or do you find yourself focused on the things you didn't have time to do, or the changes you wish you could have made, or the opportunity for a different take?

SOTO: Yes, absolutely. It's a common occurrence. There's always a chance that something might be missed. Ultimately, only you truly know. When you're fully immersed in the collective enjoyment and experience, it's difficult to go back and view it objectively. Naturally, you'll always be your own harshest critic. However, watching the movie with an audience brings a sense of fulfillment. You never truly finish a project, you simply release it into the world, hoping it will be received as intended. Then, as you see it from the perspective of others, you begin to appreciate and enjoy it in a different way. After a break from viewing it, you might even think, "Actually, that was really good." My wife always tells me, "I told you, it's really good." It definitely helps to have a fresh perspective from viewers once you've become too deeply involved.

Image by Warner Bros.

You have been discussed in relation to The Wrecking Crew, a Transformers film, and a potential TV series for Amazon. Ever since completing Blue Beetle, there has been speculation about your involvement in various upcoming projects. What is your desired next shooting venture? Do you still hold hope for the fruition of all these endeavors?

SOTO: I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to shoot the first film that comes my way. Going back to set is something I greatly anticipate. The pre-production phase of a movie is where I find immense joy and believe it is crucial in creating a successful film. I am particularly excited about the first project that materializes, as all the films I choose resonate with me on a personal level. They enable me to delve into my creative perspective of the world, expand my visual language, and explore my creativity in new and exciting ways. Certain projects may hold greater relevance in the present moment. Once the actor's strike concludes, we will dive into the first available project, continuing to produce art because it is my driving force.

Have your experiences working on Blue Beetle altered your perspective on larger movies that are part of a franchise or possibly become one? Especially if you were to work on a Transformers movie, are there specific aspects you would approach differently or things you now view differently? Did Blue Beetle influence any changes in your approach?

SOTO: Absolutely, without a doubt. There's no need to leave things until the last minute. When you have a substantial budget for a movie, it's important to take care of everything in advance. In my opinion, all the necessary preparations should be done before entering the production phase. Pre-production is meant for making the movie, not writing it. In future projects, I aim to achieve picture lock as much as possible before diving into physical pre-production. This benefits everyone involved and helps us stay within budget. It's about recognizing when to trust the creative process and setting ourselves up for success. Regardless of the amount of money available, challenges will always arise and obstacles will be encountered. We should be able to focus on and address those issues, rather than getting caught up in tasks that could have been completed earlier. The key is to stay fully engaged in the story we are creating and the process we are executing, so that any negative consequences in the future can be minimized. One positive aspect we achieved with VFX was incorporating it during the preparation phase. As we moved forward, everything was shot with the intention of using VFX not as a means to fix things in post-production, but as a tool to enhance the storytelling. It's crucial to prioritize and concentrate on these aspects in order to set ourselves up for success.

So, it seems that having self-trust, a clear vision, and knowing when to prioritize our battles are the most beneficial elements when making a movie.

SOTO: Indeed, these tasks are beneficial as they are not directly related to the creative aspects. When it comes to composing shots or contemplating various techniques, it is crucial to handle administrative responsibilities separately. Doing so prevents any interference while in the process of creation.

Image via Warner Bros.

I find great fascination in learning about the intricate details that contribute to the creation of something, particularly in the case of a grandiose film production. Often, we only witness the final result, which, if executed skillfully, appears effortless regardless of the challenges faced throughout the process.

SOTO: And challenges there always are. Inadequate funds and limited time seem to be constant factors in this equation. Once you acknowledge these as inevitable, it becomes somewhat less overwhelming.

Thank you for sharing all of that information with me.

SOTO: Those were insightful questions. I've never had a conversation about the process like this before. The filmmaking process involves numerous components. Ultimately, if the audience connects with the script and shares the same vision, and if we effectively communicate our ideas to each person in their own unique way, then everyone can align with the same goal, making the process somewhat easier. It's still challenging, there's no denying that. But we have a passion for it. Although I can't say I wouldn't appreciate a different approach, the reality is that this is the way we love it, regardless.

Blue Beetle is available on Digital and 4K Ultra HD.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I appreciate the emphasis on representation in "Blue Beetle." Representation in media is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and empowering marginalized communities. The fact that "Blue Beetle" features a Latino cast, writer, and protagonist sends a powerful message to viewers that their stories and experiences matter.

The movie industry has historically been dominated by white, male narratives, leaving many people feeling excluded and underrepresented. Films like "Blue Beetle" challenge this status quo and provide much-needed visibility to diverse voices and perspectives. Representation not only allows audiences to see themselves reflected on screen but also helps to break down stereotypes and promote understanding.