Director Ángel Manuel Soto and his upcoming DC film, Blue Beetle, have overcome numerous obstacles to bring the first mainstream Latino-led superhero film to the big screen. The lack of proper Latino representation in the film industry has been a long-standing issue, and Soto, along with his team, aim to address this through the introduction of the character Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña, and his well-developed Latino family, the Reyeses.
Initially, Blue Beetle was planned as an HBO Max release due to WarnerMedia’s streaming-focused approach. However, in December 2021, just months before WarnerMedia’s merger with Discovery, Warner Bros. decided to upgrade the film to a theatrical release. This decision was a significant win for Latino audiences, as it allowed them to finally have their moment in the live-action superhero genre.
Soto acknowledges the importance of seeing Latino history and culture represented on the big screen in a respectful and authentic manner. He and his team were committed to making this a reality and persisted until Warner Bros. saw the significance of the film and agreed to the theatrical release. Soto expresses his gratitude for this opportunity and the chance to showcase Latino heritage and legacy.
However, the release of Blue Beetle coincides with the SAG-AFTRA strike, preventing the cast members from participating in promotional activities and events. Soto is saddened by this turn of events but understands the necessity of the strike. He believes that his cast members’ sacrifice to fight for a better future is a heroic act in itself. Despite their absence, Soto keeps in constant contact with the cast, sharing updates and pictures with them, ensuring that they feel included and celebrated during this time.
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The merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery in April 2021 resulted in new leadership within DC Studios, with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking charge. This change created uncertainty regarding the future of Blue Beetle’s characters and storylines. Fortunately, Gunn confirmed that Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle would be the first character introduced into the DC Extended Universe (DCU), providing relief for Soto and his team. The belief in their characters and their inclusion in the DCU assures Soto that their efforts will not go to waste.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Soto shares his initial pitch for the character Bane and why he was initially hesitant about taking on Blue Beetle. He had a meeting with DC during the pandemic to discuss his interest in exploring Bane’s origin story, considering the character’s potential to address significant issues affecting the Caribbean and Latin America. However, the executives at DC pitched him the idea of Blue Beetle instead, which intrigued Soto due to his familiarity with the character and the cultural impact he has had.
Soto initially hesitated to accept the opportunity to direct Blue Beetle as he did not want to perpetuate stereotypes or misrepresent the Latino community. He wanted to ensure that the film would be authentic and respectful. However, after reassurance from the executives at DC and recognizing the potential impact of the film, Soto agreed to take on the project.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding Blue Beetle’s journey to the big screen, Soto remains positive and energized by the support and enthusiasm from fans. The film’s recent fan screening in Toronto, where people dressed in cosplay and lined up for hours, affirmed that their hard work and dedication translated into a film that resonated with audiences.
Soto’s commitment to representing the Latino community and providing a platform for their stories and experiences shines through in Blue Beetle. He hopes that the film’s release will not only be a milestone for Latino representation but also inspire future generations to embrace their heritage and culture. Through his dedication to honoring his cast members’ sacrifice and ensuring their involvement despite the strike, Soto continues to champion the importance of unity and fighting for a better future.
