This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn’t exist.
With the quality of DC films dropping following Shazam: Fury of the Gods and The Flash, are the Blue Beetle first reactions the glimmer of hope fans have been waiting for? The titular hero is set to make his feature film debut on the big screen August 18. The film was originally planned to be an MAX original, before moving to a global theatrical release after Warner Bros’ confidence in it. However, with the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, promotion for the movie has diminished significantly, as the cast are unable to attend premieres, do press junkets, and actively endorse the project on social media.
But fans have taken upon themselves to promote the film, dubbing themselves the “Blue Beetle Battalion“. They make their own promotional material to spread awareness, and have received support from Blue Beetle actor Xolo Maridueña. But is the feature worth all this hype? The social embargo has been lifted ahead of its release, with viewers praising the Latinx representation, and hoping to see more of this character in the future.
Blue Beetle first reactions highlight representation
For a superhero that general theatergoers aren’t familiar with, it is unfortunate that a Latino hero is not getting the proper marketing he deserves. Based on these reactions, Blue Beetle does a stellar job of celebrating Latinx culture.
Fans want more Blue Beetle
DC Studios co-head James Gunn has already confirmed that Xolo Maridueña will return in the DCU, and viewers are already clamoring to see the character again.
This film is for the family
No, this isn’t a Fast and Furious film, but the Blue Beetle trailers have shown just how integral Jaime Reyes’ (aka Blue Beetle) family will be to his story. As much as Jaime’s life is changing with his new role, his family plays an important part in his journey.
Stay tuned for more DCU coverage
The Blue Beetle first reactions promise a new era for DC films, one that will bring in new and old fans of the intellectual property. With Gunn and Safran leading this new chapter forward, fans can hold out hope that quality DC projects such as The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker will continue to come. The first official DCU film, Superman: Legacy, written and directed by Gunn, lands in theaters on July 11, 2025.
Blue Beetle flies into theaters on August 18. Stay up to date with all the latest news on DC films and comics on the Agents of Fandom socials!
