Representation and authenticity matter when it comes to blockbuster superhero tentpoles. Not only does the community see themselves in the heroes that appear on screen, but their stories are being told through the voices of the artists that bring these characters to life. So when a film like Blue Beetle starring “Cobra Kai’s” Xolo Maridueña comes along, it means a lot. And now a newly released trailer shows us how much fun you can have when an alien scarab attaches to you while being introduced to a culture that has gone underrepresented in the genre for far too long.
Originally set for release on HBOMax, “Blue Beetle” will now save the day in theaters. And judging by the looks of the trailer, it is the best decision for the film. Considering how other superhero flicks like Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” performed at the box office, not giving “Blue Beetle” the theatrical treatment it deserves would have been a huge mistake. Moreover, when the community shows up, they show up.
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, “Blue Beetle” follows Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) who is in possession of a mysterious blue alien scarab. When it attaches itself to Jaime, generating a resilient high-tech suit of powered armor around his body that could withstand almost anything from projectiles to atmospheric re-entry to Earth. So of course there are those who want this tech for themselves. That’s where the villainous Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) comes into the picture. Although, it’s not clear if she is connected to Ted Kord, a character from the comics who had a connection to the Beetle before Jaime became its owner.
The cast also includes Bruna Marquezine, Belissa Escobedo, Harvey Guillen, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo, Damián Alcázar, and Raoul Trujillo.
“Blue Beetle” opens in theaters on August 18, 2023.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Blue Beetle:”
Recent college grad Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) 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 superhero Blue Beetle.
