Social reactions for Blue Beetle buzz with excitement, marking an auspicious future for DC Studios’ clean cinematic start for its upcoming James Gunn and Peter Safran-led superhero slate.
From director Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings) and starring Cobra Kai breakout Xolo Maridueña, the film follows the origin story of Jaime Reyes as the titular Blue Beetle. Based on the iteration of the hero created in 2006 by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner, Blue Beetle centers on Reyes’ discovery of an ancient relic called the Scarab, which chooses him to don its super futuristic alien biotech suit of armor. Along with his family, new friends and new enemies Jaime finds out just what it means to rise up and protect, those who matter most, no matter the well-deserved attention he gets as the superhero Blue Beetle.
Critics and pop culture commentators are raving about the film, which blasts into theaters on August 18. Here are some thoughts from around the web starting with our own at io9!
This roundup, which includes reactions for major studio projects, was published during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of writers and actors currently on strike, the films and TV celebrated here by fans wouldn’t exist.
His performance as Jaime Reyes is star-making and a fantastic addition to our pantheon of cinematic Latine heroes. pic.twitter.com/Iw5KLGEyDJ
— Sabina Graves (@SabinaHasNoR) August 11, 2023
Impressed by the pop culture details & historical references in BLUE BEETLE. From MACARIO, to CRONOS, and El CHAPULÍN COLORADO. But even more so that the infamous School of the Americas is integral to the story. This is the work of filmmakers who know & care about Latin America. pic.twitter.com/Li7ZTK629m
— Carlos Aguilar (@Carlos_Film) August 10, 2023
#BlueBeetle is a surprisingly emotional, yet hilarious and exhilarating superhero blockbuster like no other.
It’s filled to the brim with heart and @angelmanuelsoto has created a perfect celebration of Latino culture.
GO SEE @bluebeetle, you won’t be disappointed! pic.twitter.com/QlvKfCRpLE
— Tasmin ✨ (@aspiringkrypto) August 11, 2023
#BlueBeetle is pretty great and throws a few superhero tropes, like going through it alone out the window. It isn't perfect but the suit, action, and a charismatic cast makes it a great watch in a theater. Not to mention a big hero moment set to Cypris Hill 🙌 pic.twitter.com/NxAT4ZBeyn
— Kate Sánchez (@OhMyMithrandir) August 11, 2023
#BlueBeetle is fantastic fun. Funny, surprisingly heartfelt with a star making turn by Xolo Maridueña. The kid has IT. Director Angel Manuel Soto makes Latinos' supposed "invisibility" into a full-on superpower. Truly inspiring. I also want the Abuela origin story now! pic.twitter.com/zj3uSThJbl
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) August 11, 2023
#BlueBeetle is my favorite post-Nolan DC film.
It’s an action packed, highly entertaining superhero story about family…& there’s nothing more important than family.
The film is unique in that it lovingly & unabashedly shares the Reyes family’s Mexican culture. @bluebeetle 🧵 pic.twitter.com/o6Q9kUrbeC
— POC Culture (@POCculture) August 11, 2023
@Xolo_Mariduena is an absolute star. But you knew this already if you watch #CobraKai. In #BlueBeetle he gets the spotlight he deserves, but the entire Reyes family shines together. I love all of them.
Adriana Barraza, Belissa Escobedo & @georgelopez are especially wonderful. pic.twitter.com/sXUZA6SHAu
— POC Culture (@POCculture) August 11, 2023
#BlueBeetle is amazing! Had so much fun watching & speechless of how cool the film is. @Xolo_Mariduena's energy on screen is contagious. @BruMarquezine shines as Jenny (💙how much screen time she has); Xolo & Bruna's chemistry is unreal/The Reyes family has a spectacular dynamic. pic.twitter.com/M2yYEDNGSv
— Jana N Nagase – Jana On Camera (@janaoncamera) August 11, 2023
Director @angelmanuelsoto crafts a passionate effort that may stand as one of the best (mostly) contained solo origin flicks. @Xolo_Mariduena & @BruMarquezine deliver fun, heartfelt performances that will hopefully skyrocket these largely unknown heroes into the pop-stratosphere. pic.twitter.com/OVtrrwNKLC
— Dave Lee (@daveleedwnundr) August 11, 2023
The Reyes family shines, particularly George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, and most importantly Damián Alcázar who is the film’s soul. This is a career defining performance for star @Xolo_Mariduena on par with Tom Holland’s work as Peter Parker. @bluebeetle #BlueBeetle #BlueBeetleMovie pic.twitter.com/LkpCqiuwp1
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) August 11, 2023
The #BlueBeetle movie is mostly a blast.
Some is too silly or childish for me, a lot had me laughing loud (George Lopez!). Practical suit rocks. The Latino representation is awesome.
Enjoyed the family-centric stakes, solid action beats. Overall, it’s fun. pic.twitter.com/5qzWIkmDyE
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 11, 2023
Xolo is perfect in the role. The film deserved all the marketing The Flash got, and then some! https://t.co/UkKAt7ebnJ
— Law⚡️ (@LawJSharma) August 11, 2023
Blue Beetle entertained me far more than I thought it would. It gives off Iron Man feels and delivers a down to Earth & intimate story about family & moral values. Susan Sarandon is the comic book villain I did not know I needed. George Lopez is hilarious!
#BlueBeetleMovie pic.twitter.com/Tr70aFOvOe
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) August 11, 2023
Happy to report @angelmanuelsoto's #BlueBeetle was so much better than I expected. He's added his own flavor to the superhero genre by having the film focus on a tight-knit family and Latino culture. It’s fun, extremely funny, and he got away with a few jokes that floored me. pic.twitter.com/TA6I5a9sGl
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) August 11, 2023
Funny, full of nitfy action, with great visual effects (suit looks/feels amazing), and plenty of heart, #BlueBeetle’s first live-action film is a win for longtime fans, and for the future of the DCU. @bluebeetle 2/3 pic.twitter.com/ff2qqKCF2A
— Fico Cangiano (@FicoCangiano) August 11, 2023
I say this with all honesty, I think the #BlueBeetle powers are Top 3 coolest for a DC character. I think James Gunn & team could have a field day including him in other projects. Xolo Maridueña crushes it in his biggest role to date – a solid origin story w/ tons of room to grow pic.twitter.com/dgk4spMufB
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 11, 2023
#BlueBeetle is a MASSIVE win for DC & an electric introduction to the first hero of the DCU. Xolo Maridueña's charismatic star making performance confidently anchors this intimate synthwave journey of family, heritage, & purpose. A fresh and endearing spin on the origin story! pic.twitter.com/BlpXS2iKFl
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) August 11, 2023
Blue Beetle opens in theaters on August 18.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
