Although Blue Beetle has yet to be released, the titular hero already has one big advantage over other DC movies starring Superman or Batman. One of the last films to predate new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, Blue Beetle was originally developed as an HBO Max release, though it will now come to theaters in August 2023. Starring Cobra Kai's Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, Blue Beetle has some very exciting potential when compared to bigger heroes and their recent on-screen depictions.
When it comes to the DCEU's big-name characters, controversies have persisted regarding certain aspects of their portrayals compared to the comics. These criticisms have ranged from things like the lack of red trunks on the costume worn by Henry Cavill, to his version of Man of Steel. Likewise, many took issue with Ben Affleck's Batman and his more lethal tactics as seen in Batman v Superman or Jesse Eisenberg's incredibly different version of Lex Luthor when compared to every version seen prior. As such, this is where Blue Beetle can thrive as he's not as big a name as other characters in the DC Universe.
Blue Beetle Can Take More Creative Liberties Than Batman Or Superman Movies
The comic origins of Jaime Reyes' Blue Beetle debut are fairly straightforward. Finding the Blue Beetle scarab while living in El Paso with his family, the scarab bonds with Reyes and turns into an advanced battle suit created by an alien race known as the Reach. Jaime also unlocked the scarab's full potential beyond his predecessors Dan Garrett and Ted Kord, the latter of whom became Jaime's mentor (who may be in the Blue Beetle movie). Regardless, Blue Beetle is by far the character with the least name recognition to get a solo DC movie thus far. As such, he's coming without as many preconceived notions.
The third and most recent character to take on the Blue Beetle mantle, Jaime Reyes is relatively new compared to most heroes, having debuted in 2006 while also having alterations to his history thanks to the New 52 and Rebirth continuity reboots in the comics. As such, Jaime has much less preexisting content for his live-action counterpart to adapt when Blue Beetle does release. So long as the core beats of his origins are present, there's a lot more creative freedom when it comes to Jaime as opposed to Superman or Batman.
Blue Beetle's Success Could Lead To More New Heroes Getting Movies In The DCU
Because of Jaime's smaller name recognition, Blue Beetle can stand on its own legs as good or bad, even if significant changes are made from the comics. Likewise, its potential success could encourage more heroes to get their own on-screen depictions beyond DC's biggest heroes. At this point, there have been several interpretations of the DC Trinity. Blue Beetle's success could encourage Gunn and Safran that lesser-known characters can do just as well in the DCU.
