Blue Beetle DCU Animated Show Release Plan Revealed by Xolo Mariduena

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Summary

  • Xolo Maridueña confirms return as Blue Beetle in upcoming DCU animated series, aiming for a 2026 release.
  • Maridueña remains optimistic about his future in the DC Universe, hinting at potential live-action roles.
  • Blue Beetle series will build off the DCEU movie while telling a new story, with Gunn having creative control.

Actor Xolo Maridueña, known for portraying Blue Beetle in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), is set to repeat this role under James Gunn’s direction in the revamped DC Universe (DCU). Here’s a hint about when we might see him again.

The movie titled “Blue Beetle” was one of the final films in the old DCEU before it got a fresh start under Gunn’s DCU. Prior to the film’s premiere, Gunn made it clear that he planned on featuring Maridueña’s Blue Beetle in the new DCU. Nearly a year afterwards, Deadline revealed that an animated “Blue Beetle” series was being created. This series would expand upon the DCEU movie and introduce its own narrative, potentially leading to a future live-action film starring Maridueña as Jaime Reyes. The report mentioned that several actors had expressed interest in reprising their roles, but the main cast’s contracts were still under negotiation. However, it has now been confirmed that Maridueña will indeed lend his voice to Jaime Reyes for the “Blue Beetle” animated series.

What’s the Status of the Blue Beetle Animated DCU Series?

At the 2025 Saturn Awards, I sat down with The Direct and shared my excitement about the upcoming Blue Beetle animated series. As Jaime Reyes, I’m all geared up to reprise my role, and our team is working tirelessly to make it a hit. We aim to wrap things up this year so we can unveil the series to fans in 2026. As for James Gunn’s plans for Blue Beetle and potential live-action films, I’m keeping quiet while DC Studios shapes their DCU strategy. But let me tell you, I’m ready for whatever adventures await!

It appears he’s busy cooking in the kitchen. I don’t fancy interrupting him while he’s preparing the meal. However, as soon as they’ve completed this three-course dinner, I’m all set to eat.

Following Gunn and Safran being appointed as co-CEOs of DC Studios and charged with kickstarting the new DCU, Gal Gadot stated that they had discussed working on Wonder Woman 3 together. Yet, subsequent news outlets have disputed these assertions, leaving fans speculating whether Gadot was attempting to safeguard her role as Wonder Woman via media exposure or if Gunn had given the actress false information about his intentions for the character, who might be recast for the DCU. Regardless of the actual circumstances regarding Wonder Woman, Maridueña expressed no doubts that Gunn intends for him to continue in the role of Blue Beetle.

Well, as far as I can tell, he’s not being dishonest. After all, we’re grown-ups, so feel free to express your thoughts! [laughs] I’m simply thrilled to have completed the first project and will share the news about it while we work on drafting the second one.

Maridueña is among the rare actors from the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) who will repeat his character in the new DCU (DC Universe) franchise. He could be the only actor not involved in Gunn’s DCEU projects, “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker”. According to Deadline, the upcoming “Blue Beetle” series is set to carry forward from the DCEU movie but tell a fresh story. This implies that Gunn will probably select which aspects from the film are still considered part of the DCU (DC Universe).

For example, the animated series “Creature Commandos” refers to events from “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker”, such as Rick Flag Jr.’s demise and the unveiling of Amanda Waller’s Task Force X. However, Gunn has clarified that these incidents are part of the DCU (DC Universe) because they were mentioned in “Creature Commandos”, not because they occurred in “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker”. Gunn has termed everything else from those DCEU projects as a ‘bad memory’ of what transpired.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the Blue Beetle film certainly garnered accolades for its outstanding ensemble cast. The dynamic between Jaime Reyes and his family, along with his love interest Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), resonated deeply with viewers. It’s only natural that director Gunn might wish to steer clear of being tied down by every aspect of the Blue Beetle movie. However, given the strong connection fans have formed with these characters, it’s easy to see why they’d be eager for more than just the title character’s return.

Blue Beetle (2023) is available on Max.

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2025-02-04 01:24