The highly anticipated family-friendly superhero film, Blue Beetle, has made an impressive start at the box office with $3.3 million in Thursday evening previews. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, this DC and Warner Bros. production is a groundbreaking movie in Hollywood, as it is the first live-action superhero film centered around a Latino protagonist. Its aim is to provide representation for Latino audiences both in front of and behind the camera. According to a review by The Hollywood Reporter, the film has the potential to launch Xolo Maridueña, known for his role in Cobra Kai, as a prominent young actor in the DC Extended Universe.
Blue Beetle has set its sights on a domestic opening within the $30 million range, which could result in it dethroning Barbie from the top spot after four successful weekends. The film features a talented ensemble cast including Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Belissa Escobedo, Harvey Guillén, and Becky G.
Originally planned for a release on HBO Max, Warner Bros. made the decision to bring Blue Beetle to theaters in late 2021 instead. Unfortunately, the film’s release has been affected by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, preventing the cast from participating in the usual publicity tour. However, various Latino organizations have stepped in to support the film by organizing special screenings and other events across the country.
Blue Beetle faces competition from Universal’s raunchy canine comedy, Strays, which also officially launches the final superhero pic of the summer season. Strays aims for an opening in the mid-teens and generated $1.1 million in previews, including $275,000 from early access screenings. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast including Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, and Josh Gad. Similar to Blue Beetle, the cast of Strays has been unable to participate in publicity plans due to the ongoing strike.
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Accompanying this article is an image from the film Strays, displaying the size and potential impact of the canine comedy on the box office.
In conclusion, Blue Beetle’s impressive box office start and its commitment to Latino representation make it a groundbreaking superhero film. Its success will not only entertain audiences but also pave the way for more diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood. With strong competition from Strays, it will be interesting to see how both films perform in the coming weeks. Despite challenges posed by the ongoing strike, the support from Latino organizations and the enthusiasm of audiences will undoubtedly contribute to the success of Blue Beetle and Strays.
