Xolo Maridueña, the lead actor in Blue Beetle, shares insights into the character’s future post the 2023 superhero film. The movie marked one of the final chapters in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) before its transition to the DC Universe (DCU) under the leadership of new co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. The destiny of existing DCEU characters remains uncertain as the DCU era begins with titles like 2025’s Superman: Legacy.
In a recent interview on the Saturn Awards red carpet, where Maridueña received a nomination for Best Younger Actor and the film earned a Best Superhero Film nomination, he expressed optimism about Blue Beetle’s return in the DCU. Maridueña expressed gratitude for Gunn and Safran weaving the character into their DCU plans, confidently stating, “I know we’ll see Blue Beetle again.” However, the specifics of this return, whether in a sequel or another DCU installment, remain unknown.
While Maridueña’s confidence hints at a promising future for Blue Beetle, the potential for a Blue Beetle 2 remains uncertain. The original movie faced commercial challenges, becoming the lowest-grossing installment in the franchise. Despite surpassing its production budget, it fell short of its estimated break-even point, requiring at least $208 million in box office earnings.
Crafting a sequel to the least-seen movie in the franchise presents challenges for Gunn and Safran as they navigate the revitalization of DC movies. However, the release timing of Blue Beetle during the DCEU-to-DCU transition offers a unique opportunity. If upcoming DCU movies prove successful, Blue Beetle’s presence in a thriving DCU film could retroactively boost interest in the original, potentially setting the stage for a proper sequel. As DC Studios enters a new era, the narrative of Blue Beetle may find renewed resonance within the evolving DC Universe.
