Blue Beetle is one of those DC characters that most people probably won’t be aware of. The first person to pair with the Scarab is a man named Dan Garrett, making his original appearance as the Beetle in Mystery Men Comics #1 in 1939. It wasn’t until 1966 that the Blue Beetle legacy was rebooted with a new home at DC Comics and a new host: Dan Garrett’s protégé Ted Kord.
After a nearly 40-year run as the Beetle, the mantle was passed down yet again to its third and current host, Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña in the upcoming Blue Beetle film. With the release of the first Blue Beetle trailer, audiences watch as one of the greatest heroic legacies in the DCU makes his way to the big screen.
Xolo Maridueña is the Blue Beetle
Xolo Maridueña, known for his role in the Netflix series Cobra Kai, introduces fans to Jaime Reyes and the Blue Beetle in the most electrifying way. Based on the trailer, Jaime will receive a much different origin than his comic book counterpart, as his acquisition of the Scarab seems a little closer to home. However, fans can still expect the same incredibly powerful hero as seen in the comics.
The suit in the Blue Beetle trailer looks phenomenal, with a great amount of detail, an epic power set, and CGI that really works. Aside from his physical appearance, the trailer only seems to have scratched the surface of what this new hero is capable of. It is evident Jaime will be spending time trying to navigate his new symbiotic relationship with the Scarab, and it appears this film will establish the Blue Beetle as a force to be reckoned with.
Dan Garrett & Ted Kord references
If you blinked, you would miss this split-second tease of not one, but two former Blue Beetles. As the camera pans across what seems to be a Blue Beetle headquarters, we see the comic-accurate suits of Dan Garrett and Ted Kord. This begs the question of the likelihood of seeing either of these two make their way to the big screen alongside Jaime as he navigates his newfound abilities.
It would be interesting to see Ted Kord take on a mentor role, as Dan Garrett did for him. After Garrett’s death, Ted, a genius-level inventor and an expert in martial arts, inherited his mantle and became the second Blue Beetle. Watching that story come full circle in this film would be incredibly satisfying, as there is no doubt in mind that Jaime could use some assistance.
Blue Beetle trailer reveals fun, family project
The Blue Beetle trailer contains the perfect balance of heart, humor, and action. Blue Beetle is going to play a huge part in setting up the future of the DCU cinematic franchise, not to mention this will be the first solo film to star a Latino superhero in the titular role.
As the new DCU continues to restructure itself, leave it to Jaime Reyes to end this summer on the perfect note. The film is set to release on August 18, 2023.
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