Can Blue Beetle rescue the remaining DCEU?
Can Blue Beetle rescue the remaining DCEU?
Blue Beetle: A Game-Changing Adventure in the DC Universe
With mere days left before Blue Beetle opens in theaters on August 18th, the pressure is seemingly on for this origin story to out-perform other missteps in its shared universe. In theory, Blue Beetle could be a game-changer – early reviews are strong for the film and, given that the character has already been confirmed to introduce James Gunn’s new universe, investing in Jaime Reyes’ story isn’t a lost cause brought forth by a dying continuity.
Blue Beetle: A Beacon of Hope for the DCEU
DC Studios has had a rollercoaster of a year so far. After multiple delays to three feature films that pushed their releases into this year, the conflicting back-and-forth surrounding Black Adam’s box office numbers, and Batgirl being scrapped after it had already been completed, DC Studios was under scrutiny long before James Gunn and Peter Safran were hired to take over.
The most recent DC properties flopped at the box office. Shazam: Fury of the Gods effectively killed any chance of a future for the character after it squandered any hope its predecessor generated. Black Adam received a lukewarm response from audiences and conflicting poor box office returns. The Flash tanked so hard that it’s a wonder how that finished product was ever released while Batgirl was scrapped. Blue Beetle seems like it might be the last chance for the DCEU to retain its previously positive reputation before Gunn ushers in his new universe.
A Triumph for Diversity in Superhero Media
Though only a few critics have had the chance to see the film prior to its release, those who have already flocked to social media to share their initial reactions. Blue Beetle has had an incredible reception so far: some critics are hailing it as their favorite post-Christopher Nolan DC film, and others are noting the success and importance as the first live-action superhero film to fully embrace Latino culture.
It’s easy to look at the buzz surrounding Blue Beetle and see the first steps toward a better DC live-action film franchise. Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña embodies the role of Jaime Reyes perfectly. Blue Beetle’s dynamic weaponry showcased through a practical effect-based suit is sure to exceed many fans’ expectations. Those aspects paired with a stacked cast (most notably Susan Sarandon and George Lopez in prominent roles) ensure this movie is sure to deserve the hype it’s already getting.
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For those who cannot wait for the release of this film, its arrival as a commodity could not be less relevant when acknowledging its cultural importance. Regardless of the sins of DC’s past and present, this is still the first live-action superhero film to center around a Latino hero. Blue Beetle opens a door for more diverse comic book media to follow in its footsteps, as well as create more of a space for Hispanic and Latino writers, actors, and professionals behind the camera. It’s probable that we’ll all be seeing something similar to Black Panther in this upcoming film.
The DCEU: Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future
Despite the general consensus towards the DCEU this year, the entire extended universe hasn’t all been like The Flash. The shared universe had notable hits with Wonder Woman and Aquaman, and other films in the franchise have continued to be well-received by fans. That being said, the glaring mistakes made by the DCEU have long outnumbered its accomplishments. From dull and overcomplicated plots, poor cinematography, and inconsistent levels of action within one film to trying (and failing) to emulate MCU hits, the DCEU has a majority of its glory days in the rearview mirror.
Blue Beetle is in a peculiar spot. The film exists between two different cinematic universes and has been forced to undergo a strange road to its current place in either franchise. More likely, rather than being seen as a relic of a petering continuity updated to usher in a new one, Jaime Reyes exists as the perfect cornerstone. Using this character as a strong introduction to what is to come represents the best of what Gunn is planning on offering in his own cinematic universe. However, the fact still remains that the film stands alone in the DCEU and should be seen as the best of what it had to offer audiences.
Blue Beetle opens on August 18th.
More: Best Blue Beetle Villains, Ranked
