James Gunn Shares Photo From Blue Beetle Premiere, Teases Jaime’s DCU Role

Blue Beetle heads into theaters this weekend, introducing the fan-favorite DC superhero to new audiences. Even before the film’s debut, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed that Xolo Maridueña’s portrayal of Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle is expected to be part of the new DC Universe, which Gunn is shepherding alongside Peter Safran. In a recent social media post, Gunn celebrated the recent Blue Beetle screenings, and teased that Jaime will factor into the world of the new DCU in “an amazing” way.

“At the #BlueBeetle screening with my partner Peter Safran!” Gunn’s post reads. “I can’t wait for audiences to meet Jaime Reyes, who will be an amazing part of the DCU going forward!”

Will Blue Beetle Be in the New DCU?

In a recent appearance on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast, Gunn referred to Jaime as the “first hero” in the new DC Universe, possibly hinting that Maridueña will reprise his role in future projects. With a Booster Gold Max-exclusive series confirmed to be in the works, and both Jaime and his predecessor Ted Kord having ties to the time-traveling heroes, we’ll have to see if that ends up being a contender.

“I mean the first DCU character for sure is Blue Beetle and the first DCU movie is Superman,” Gunn said at the time.

What Is Blue Beetle About?

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Blue Beetle, which arrives in theaters on August 18th, marking the DC superhero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes. 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.

Starring alongside Maridueña are Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez (the “Rio and “Smurf” franchises). The film also stars Belissa Escobedo and Harvey Guillén. Soto directs from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, based on characters from DC. John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing, with Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.

Are you excited for DC’s Blue Beetle movie? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! 

Blue Beetle is set to be released exclusively in theaters on Friday, August 18th.