Blue Beetle is a 2023 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Jaime Reyes, marking the 14th installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the film stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime, a recent college graduate whose life changes forever when he is chosen by a powerful alien Scarab that grants him an advanced suit of armor and extraordinary superpowers.

The film also features performances by Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez. Notably, Blue Beetle is the first live-action superhero film with a Latino lead, offering fresh cultural representation within the genre.

Initially developed for HBO Max, the project transitioned to a theatrical release, premiering in El Paso on August 14, 2023, and releasing across the U.S. on August 18. Despite receiving mostly positive reviews for its fun tone, heart, and cultural relevance, the movie underperformed at the box office, grossing $131 million worldwide. Factors such as the 2023 Hollywood strikes and the DCEU’s ongoing transition to the DCU impacted its performance.

An animated follow-up series set in the rebooted DC Universe is already in development, indicating the character’s continuing presence in future DC projects.

Plot Summary:
When an ancient alien Scarab fuses with Jaime Reyes, it grants him a powerful suit of bio-organic armor. Now transformed into the superhero Blue Beetle, Jaime must learn to control his new powers and protect those he loves from powerful enemies drawn to the Scarab’s energy.