The Game-Changing Potential of Blue Beetle: Will It Shake Up the Superhero Genre?
Can Blue Beetle save WB and DC from their recent disappointments? With James Gunn at the helm, this lesser-known hero holds the key to the studio's future Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as Blue Beetle takes the stage
DC's upcoming Blue Beetle has become a hot topic among fans of the character, especially after the disappointing performance of The Flash. This has led many to question whether Blue Beetle alone is capable of redeeming the mistakes of the DCEU. While fans are thrilled to see Jaime Reyes make his silver screen debut, there are concerns about how his character will fit into the larger universe, particularly with James Gunn's plans to use the hero to launch his own cinematic universe.
The excitement surrounding Blue Beetle is palpable, especially after the positive reception of the film's first trailer. Xolo Maridueña, known for his breakout role in Cobra Kai, perfectly embodies Jaime Reyes, and the portrayal of Blue Beetle's unique weaponry has surpassed fans' expectations. Additionally, the inclusion of beloved actor George Lopez in a prominent role has only added to the anticipation surrounding this movie. It seems that Blue Beetle truly deserves the hype it is generating.
However, with the DCEU's past missteps and controversies still fresh in people's minds, there remains doubt about whether Blue Beetle alone can erase the tarnished reputation of the DCU.
WBD and DC need a win, badly
Warner Bros. Discovery and DC are facing a challenging year in 2023. Shazam: Fury of the Gods performed poorly at the box office, and both critics and audiences agree that the sequel to one of the DCEU's beloved origin stories failed due to Zachary Levi's cringe-inducing and forced performance, as well as the mishandling of acting legends Dame Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu. Adding to the disappointment, Zachary Levi's problematic behavior on social media, including mocking Britney Spears about her conservatorship and engaging in anti-vax and homophobic/transphobic rhetoric, has further alienated audiences, making them hesitant to support him in future hero roles.
The Flash, after numerous setbacks, rewrites, and fan anticipation, has also suffered a low box office turnout domestically and internationally. It is the second lowest-grossing film in the DCEU domestically, just ahead of Shazam: Fury of the Gods, and the lowest-grossing film internationally, only slightly surpassing Shazam: Fury of the Gods. Despite positive reviews from celebrities online, which has led to speculation about DC's influence in Hollywood, the film is being criticized for its disjointed and comedic approach to the character's iconic storyline, Flashpoint. The movie gives the impression of someone who overheard the main plot points and forced them into a multiverse film. Additionally, the Uncanny Valley-like CGI, the portrayal of Barry Allen as a young boy rather than an adult, and the public's general disappointment with Ezra Miller following his controversial activities in recent years, have all contributed to The Flash's downfall.
Will audiences embrace a lesser-known hero again?
In order to regain audience trust, DC Studios may benefit from adopting a similar approach to the successful DCEU by featuring their beloved comic book characters. Although introducing a legacy character in Blue Beetle's first feature film poses a certain level of risk, the character already has a strong fanbase and a rich history in the comic world.
Jaime Reyes, who embodies the role of Blue Beetle, is not new to the world of superhero media. He has previously appeared in TV shows such as Smallville and Batman: The Brave and The Bold. In addition, Jaime has been a prominent member of the Young Justice team since its second season and even played a central role in Young Justice: Invasion. More recently, he was included as a Teen Titans member in three different movies within the DCAMU. While Blue Beetle, particularly Jaime Reyes' interpretation of the hero, may not enjoy the same level of widespread recognition as Superman or Batman, he has still managed to cultivate a dedicated following of his own.
There’s no telling if audiences will be willing to give Blue Beetle a chance after The Flash failed as hard as it did. Maybe the promise of keeping the character around in James Gunn’s DCU will be enough to get people to buy tickets. Maybe director Angel Manuel Soto’s claims that Blue Beetle isn’t necessarily connected to the DCEU films that came before it will be enough to ease superhero fans’ concerns about another DC movie. If anything, Blue Beetle’s history as a B-list DC hero is most likely not the reason audiences aren’t looking forward to another DC movie at this time.
If Blue Beetle fails, what comes next?
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has faced its fair share of challenges, raising concerns about its future success. However, it's the upcoming Blue Beetle movie that carries the weight of the entire DCU on its shoulders. As a key figure in James Gunn's new franchise, Jaime Reyes is set to be the first hero to grace Gunn's universe. Should Blue Beetle fail to meet expectations, the future of the DCU hangs in the balance.
However, the situation is not as dire as it may seem. James Gunn received a significant payout for his work with DC, and Warner Bros. Discovery is not willing to write off the investment they've made in rebooting the DC live-action universe. Although the Shazam sequel, The Flash, and likely the Aquaman sequel may underperform, the success of Blue Beetle could change the game. If Blue Beetle succeeds, it will be highly regarded by studio executives as a guiding light for Gunn's cinematic universe. However, if it performs poorly like The Flash, it may be ignored and fans of Jaime Reyes might have to turn to other animated projects to see him. Mark your calendars, as Blue Beetle is set to premiere on August 18th, 2023.
