Amidst a slew of updates to their calendar, DC has announced that Blue Beetle will be getting a theatrical release on August 18, 2023. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto from a screenplay penned by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, Blue Beetle stars Xolo Maridueña as Jamie Reyes, the third character to assume the mantle of the Blue Beetle.
According to DC’s ever-changing continuity, Jamie Reyes became Blue Beetle after Dan Garret and Ted Kord. Created by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner, Jamie Reyes happened upon the Blue Beetle scarab while walking home from school with two of his best friends Paco and Brenda. After bringing the strange object home for further inspection, the mysterious item sprang to life and attached itself to the base of Reyes’ spine. As a result, Reyes gained control of a temperamental suit of extraterrestrial armor that can grant its wearer enhanced speed and strength. As a bonus to the unique suit, the Blue Beetle armor can create weapons, shields, and wings out of its otherworldly materials.
In addition to having a variety of DC Comics solo series throughout the years, Blue Beetle has also featured in DC’s animated series Young Justice.: Invasion as well as DC Super Hero Girls. Additionally, a live-action version of the character was played by Jaren Brandt Bartlett in The CW’s Smallville.
In addition to the Blue Beetle theatrical release news, Warner Bros. announced that New Line’s Train to Busan remake will now be titled The Last Train to New York. The upcoming zombie flick was also given an April 21, 2023 release date. The Last Train to New York will be helmed by the brilliant Timo Tjahjanto, who in the past has delivered such incredibly brutal action films as The Night Comes for Us and Headshot. The remake is written by Gary Dauberman and will be produced by James Wan.
Last but certainly not least, the Alex Timbers-directed animated feature Toto, which tells the story of Wizard of Oz from the pooch’s perspective, will pad onto screens on February 2, 2024. Toto is written by John August and is produced by Derek Frey.
The Blue Beetle theatrical release news is major for the comic book brand. The film stands as DC’s first Latino superhero film, and by moving the film to theaters, WB is giving the Latin community a chance to gather and celebrate in style. We love to see it.
Will you be seeing Blue Beetle in theaters upon release? What do you think about The Last Train to New York as a title for Tjahjanto’s anticipated remake? Let us know in the comments section below.