Under the new leadership of Peter Safran and James Gunn, many DC Universe projects have been left in limbo. However, the upcoming Blue Beetle film is not one of them. Director Angel Manuel Soto confirmed that the movie is absolutely part of the DC Universe and the plans for future installments.
In an interview with Total Film magazine, Soto stated, “We are part of the universe, we are part of the world, we are part of the plans that they have been creating for the future installments of the DCU.” This statement assures fans that the Blue Beetle film is connected to the larger DC Universe and will contribute to the ongoing conversation.
Soto also made it clear that while the film exists in a world where superheroes exist, it is not tied to all the films from the past. He said, “But we are not tied to all the films from the past. Yes, our movie lives in the world where superheroes exist. But that doesn’t mean that a certain event, or certain alliance, or certain things from the past dictate where our film is going.” This allows the filmmakers the creative freedom to chart their own path within the DC Universe while still acknowledging its existence.
Furthermore, Soto teased his hopes for the future of the Blue Beetle franchise, expressing his desire to potentially make a trilogy. He stated, “Our first movie, the way we wanted to do it, was always with the mentality that we wanted to do two more, at least. And taking the traditional three-act structure of a story, we wanted our first movie to practically be the first act of a saga.” This reveals that the filmmakers have a larger story arc in mind for the character of Blue Beetle and are excited about the possibility of expanding the franchise.
The Blue Beetle film is particularly significant as it will be DC’s first film to center on a Latino superhero. The story follows Jaime Reyes, who gains superpower armor after an encounter with an alien scarab. As he adjusts to his new abilities, he must also uncover why the scarab came to Earth and chose him. This representation and diversity in the superhero genre adds an important and unique element to the DC Universe.
James Gunn, the director of The Suicide Squad, also confirmed on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast that Blue Beetle is “the first DCU character” and that “the first full DCU movie is Superman.” This further emphasizes the significance of the Blue Beetle film within the DC Universe and positions it as a key player in the future of DC’s cinematic universe.
Blue Beetle is one of three films, alongside The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, that were in production before Safran and Gunn took over DC Studios. These films were planned to be released this year, showcasing the continued expansion and development of the DC Universe.
With its confirmed connection to the DC Universe, its diverse representation, and the potential for future installments, Blue Beetle is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the superhero genre. Fans can look forward to its release on August 18th and the possibility of further exploration into the world of Blue Beetle in the future.
