After “Flash”, “Blue Beetle” is the DC superhero to land on our screens. Less known than the fastest man in the world, he comes forward with a historical aspect when it comes to representation.
After Flash and while waiting for the return of Aquaman (which could be postponed to 2024 due to the strike of actors and screenwriters), DC is launching another superhero, less known to the public (despite his presence in the casting of the fighting game Injustice 2), in the deep end of cinemas: Blue Beetle.
Also called Scarabée Bleu in France, a name that refers more to the universe of The Mummy than to that of superheroes, the character is however as old as Batman since he too was born in 1939. But in the pages of Mystery Men Comicspublished by Fox Feature Syndicate.
Like many of the heroes of the golden age of comics (1938 – 1954), the 1950s were fatal to him and he sank into oblivion when the bankruptcy of Fox Feature Syndicate brought him to Charlton Comics. Who completely reboots his adventures in 1966… then sells the rights to the character to DC when he in turn files for bankruptcy in 1983.
Fox Feature Syndicate Blue Beetle in its early days on paper
First a policeman doped with vitamins and equipped with special equipment, then an archaeologist who obtains powers through contact with a magical artefact, Blue Beetle is then the alter ego of Ted Kord, a student of the latter. He sometimes lends a hand to the Justice League before giving way to Jaime Reyes in 2006.
Seventeen years later, it is under the features of this one that Blue Beetle makes its film debut, after being intended for the HBO Max platform. But Warner and DC have changed their minds about Angel Manuel Soto’s feature film by offering it a passage through theaters which gives it a little historical side.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Blue Beetle in the cinema
Because Blue Beetle becomes the first superhero film whose headliner is Latino. Discovered in Cobra Kai, where he embodies Miguel Diaz, Xolo Maridueña here plays Jaime, a teenager chosen by the Beetle, a former relic of extraterrestrial biotechnology.
With his new powers, he will notably face the villain played by Susan Sarandon. In a feature film that allows diversity and representation to take a step forward, as its director explains to us.
AlloCiné: What was your approach on “Blue Beetle”? And what sets it apart from other superhero movies?
Angel Manuel Soto : I tried to be as authentic as possible. The most honest too, bearing in mind that this kind of opportunity does not happen so often. Even more within the Latin American community. So we wanted to finally show ourselves, to be the heroes of our own stories. And maybe open the door to other stories.
What can you tell us about your casting?
They are my joy and my pride. I love them very much. They understood the mission that was ours but, above all, they put everything they had in their respective characters. It was beautiful to see how they were able to bring something personal to them, while recognizing that they represented a lot of themselves.
As for Susan, for example, she understood what her character represented on a grander scale than that of the film. Like the ally that she is, she went all out to deliver this incredible performance for us. As for Xolo, he has become the hero he never knew he had to be. The one we’ve all been waiting for. I can’t wait to see how the rest of Jaime’s family will be shown as heroes in the future.
This kind of opportunity does not happen so often. Even more within the Latin American community.
What was the biggest challenge for you?
No doubt concentrate the story I wanted to tell. The Latino experience is made up of so many different experiences that I’d like to talk about, that choosing which ones we were going to talk about in this movie wasn’t easy. But the beautiful thing is that we’re confident this won’t be the last time we see a superhero movie with Latinos in the foreground.
Nor the last time we see what happens to Jaime and his family. We have more opportunities to expand the Latino experience and invite people into our world. Because it’s as beautiful as what you saw in the movie.
Of the powers of Blue Beetle, which is your favorite?
I think it’s when he manages to create this huge saber. I always wanted to be able to do something like that, and handle it the way he does. Especially when he is able to create what he wants: it’s really me that we find in the film at that time.
Screenshot
Angel Manuel Soto
What do you think viewers will take away from this film?
That we can all be the heroes of our stories, if it’s done with the heart and we trust those who support us. The family, here, is his strength. It should not be taken for granted, but always kept close to you, because it will always give you the power you need to succeed.
Blue Beetle is a family adventure film, full of action, humor and emotion. For all audiences, and I hope it inspires them to become the heroes they were meant to be.
Interview by Emmanuel Itier in Los Angeles on July 25, 2023