DC released the first official trailer for Blue Beetle. The story centers around an ancient artifact the “Scarab”, that takes hold of teenager Jaime Reyes and transforms him into a superhero. If one conjures up thoughts of Spider-Man it would not be far fetched. Yet, the studio and stars of the film promise this incarnation is a bit different. The film’s star Xolo Maridueña, told fans to expect more of a DC and Marvel hybrid. Previously telling “The Wrap”, “[h]e’s kind of like a fusion of Green Lantern and Iron Man,” Maridueña said. “He has a scarab from outer space that is attached to his body called Khaji da.”
DC Studios also released an official synopsis for the film:
Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.
Before hitting the big screen, Blue Beetle has already notched a couple of distinctions. First, it’s being released! In light of the WarnerDiscovery merger, which saw many film and shows based on DC properties cancelled. Which was followed by the James Gunn takeover of the DCU. It was not a sure bet that Blue Beetle would see the light of day. Second, its the first big screen adaptation to feature a Latino hero as the lead. Xolo Maridueña of Cobra Kai fame stars as the titular hero, with a stellar supporting cast in the form of George Lopez, Adriana Barraza (Rambo: Last Blood, Thor), Damían Alcázar (Narcos, Narcos: Mexico), Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) and many more.
The trailer looks pretty entertaining and does not seem to shy away from Reyes’ Latino roots and upbringing. Which should make for tons of fun not ordinarily seen in the superhero genre.
Blue Beetle opens August 2023. Until then check out the trailer here.
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