Blue Beetle returns in Superman sequel

The Blue Beetle is back!

Xolo Maridueña is set to reprise his Blue Beetle role in the “Superman” sequel “Man of Tomorrow.”

The film, currently in production, will be directed by James Gunn. Maridueña first portrayed the character in the 2023 film “Blue Beetle,” directed by Angel Manuel Soto. Maridueña played Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate who gains superpowers when an alien scarab latches on to him.

Speaking on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, Gunn officially confirmed that Maridueña’s Jaime Reyes is the first character in the rebooted DCU. “The first DCU character, for sure, Blue Beetle, and the first full DCU movie is ‘Superman,'” he said when “Blue Beetle” released. It’s a historic role, as Blue Beetle was the first Latino superhero to lead a standalone film in the DC universe.

“The only thing that is on my mind right now is just the fact that he’s Latino. I have so much pride in getting to be a part of this project with Angel, someone like him,” Maridueña said at the time. “I think it’s so important, and I don’t want to stand on the soapbox for too long but representation is so important.”

As for his physical preparation, Maridueña bulked up to about 130 pounds, then added 25 to 30 pounds of muscle by lifting weights and doing martial arts. “A lot of it was just eating the right amount,” he said. Back in 2023, Gunn and Peter Safran had committed to Maridueña as Blue Beetle for the foreseeable future, and confirmed that he was set to appear in upcoming films.

“What I was most impressed by is his ability with both the comedic and the emotional material,” Safran told Variety. “He has all the skills.”

Safran explained that the role called for a deftness in “unbelievably funny physical comedy” as Jaime learns how to navigate his new superpowers, as well as a depth and gravitas since the character is driven by a desire to save his family. Maridueña nailed both. “It’s just very evident that this is a star-making performance,” Safran added.

Maridueña was thrilled at the prospect of continuing in the DCU. “Regardless of if we get 20 movies or if it’s just this one, I feel truly fulfilled,” he said. “If we get to do another one, I’m so ready — and shit, I’ll put on another 20 pounds and get even bigger.”

As previously announced, David Corenswet will be returning as Superman in “Man of Tomorrow,” written and directed by Gunn. In the sequel, Superman is forced to team up with his adversary Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) as they work to defeat an even bigger threat: the super-intelligent antagonist Brainiac (Lars Eidinger).

“Man of Tomorrow” is due in theaters on July 9, 2027.

-Variety