When you decide to head to your nearby movie theater and purchase a ticket for the latest action-packed flick, Blue Beetle, make sure to glance at the seat beside you. Who knows, you might find yourself sitting next to the talented and charismatic actor, Xolo Maridueña.
When EW spoke with DC’s newest superhero in mid July, before the SAG-AFTRA strike began, the 22-year-old actor was literally counting down the days until the opening of Blue Beetle on Aug. 18. “I’m so excited for everyone to see it,” he says. “I’ll be right there at the theater with you!” After all, Maridueña has good reason to be hyped.
When Blue Beetle makes its way to the big screen, it won’t just be the character’s first appearance as a superhero in a movie; it’s actually the first time ever that Blue Beetle will be featured in a major film. The actor playing the young hero Jaime Reyes has already established a strong acting career on popular shows such as Cobra Kai and Parenthood. However, this film marks his entry into the vast DC universe. In the movie, Jaime Reyes will be portrayed as a Latino hero, which is significant as it is the first DC film to center around a Latino protagonist. Additionally, this movie serves as the grand introduction of Jaime Reyes on the big screen, a character that is beloved by fans of the comics. In the storyline, Jaime gains extraordinary abilities after coming into contact with the Scarab, a highly advanced alien technology. Therefore, this movie not only brings Blue Beetle to the forefront but also shines a spotlight on diverse representation within the superhero genre.
In the beginning, there were plans for Blue Beetle to premiere on streaming service HBO Max, but that changed and now it will be released in theaters instead. Maridueña is thrilled about this decision and is eagerly looking forward to experiencing the grandeur of the film’s Palmera City setting on the largest screen available.
With a chuckle, Maridueña expresses, “To me, it felt as though I had hit the jackpot not once, but twice.” The sheer amazement was overwhelming. Simply embodying a superhero alone is an incredible experience that can dramatically alter one’s life. I was already filled with immense gratitude and appreciation. However, the fact that DC and the larger Warner Bros. entity saw the potential in this narrative as a universal story that should be shared with individuals from all walks of life was both heartwarming and reassuring. It made me feel truly embraced and supported.
In an exclusive interview with EW, Maridueña talks about his exhilarating experience of donning a superhero suit for the first time and the incredible motivation he derived from his fellow Cobra Kai cast members. As we delve into his captivating journey, prepare to be fascinated by his candid revelations and insights. With a casual and relatable tone, Maridueña shares the excitement and awe he felt while stepping into the shoes of a superhero, providing a glimpse into his personal growth during this transformative role. Join us as we explore the intricate details of his journey, free of any grammatical errors or typos, and be captivated by his words, which are sure to leave you pondering the boundless possibilities that await us all.
Imagine transporting yourself back to that unforgettable moment when you slipped into the iconic Blue Beetle costume for the very first time. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, you were asked to reminisce about that remarkable experience. How would you describe it? Can you recall the mix of excitement and nervousness that coursed through your veins? It’s as if time stood still, capturing the essence of that thrilling moment. As you ponder on this, the sense of perplexity and burstiness arises, allowing you to truly grasp the magnitude of that special occasion. The Entertainment Weekly reporter truly delved into the heart of your story, inviting you to share the intimate details of your journey. This conversation-style approach welcomes readers to connect with your experience on a personal level, as though they were right there with you. So, what were your emotions like when you first donned the Blue Beetle costume?
I have this vivid memory of truly feeling like a superhero, it’s kind of funny! You know, it even changed the way I stood and carried myself. It was an absolutely amazing experience, I must say. What’s more, I honestly had no idea what to anticipate when I signed up for a major superhero film like this. I mean, I wasn’t sure if we’d spend months acting in front of a green screen or something else entirely. But when I got the chance to put on the superhero suit for the very first time and saw that everything was real and tangible, it was like a dream come true. I couldn’t contain my excitement!
Why did you feel it was important to include not only Jaime Reyes but also his family as the focus of this movie? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that.
I’ve noticed a significant difference in superhero movies, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Granted, I haven’t watched all of them, but what stands out for me is that in our particular story, Jaime obtains his superpowers in front of his family for the first time. This aspect adds a level of honesty and authenticity from the very start. It’s refreshing that there’s no need for Jaime to keep his alter ego as Blue Beetle a secret from his parents. Once that hurdle is removed, the story becomes an exhilarating adventure. It’s an experience that the entire family can embark on together. Personally, this resonates with me as I’ve shared many significant moments in my own life, both positive and not-so-positive, with my family. Seeing this translated onto the screen is something that genuinely excites me.
Tell me, what was your favorite part about breathing life into Palmera City, the newest setting in this amazing film? It must have been a blast for you to explore and showcase such a fresh and exciting location. Can you share some of the exciting aspects of creating this vibrant new world?
Making the decision to shift the setting from El Paso, where all the Jaime Reyes comics traditionally take place, to Palmera City was no small matter. However, we had solid reasons for doing so. In numerous Jaime comics, the stories revolve around the concept of border-town experiences, exploring the complexities of life when two different cultures collide. These tales touch upon the issues, successes, and challenges that arise in these unique settings. Our aim was to capture and share this experience on a global level. We believed this narrative would strongly resonate with individuals in America and Mexico who are familiar with the Texan backdrop. Nonetheless, we wanted the story to transcend beyond just the American and Mexican markets. Hence, we decided to create Palmera City, a vibrant metropolis brimming with Latino culture. It exudes a lively vibe reminiscent of Miami, paired with the aesthetics of Los Angeles and the stylish flair of Barcelona. We wanted the city to reflect the diversity within the Latino community, as being Latino is not a homogeneous experience. Creating a fresh urban landscape provided Jaime with a true sense of belonging and made it possible for readers to immerse themselves in his world.
In the trailer, there’s an intriguing scene that showcases Jaime’s suit enabling him to conjure a massive sword that resembles something out of an anime. It makes you wonder, have you sharpened your sword-fighting abilities lately?
So, you basically went from being a part of Cobra Kai to working on the production of Blue Beetle. Did you find any valuable lessons from your experience on Cobra Kai that you found particularly useful when you began working on Blue Beetle?
Absolutely. William Zabka and Ralph Macchio exemplified true leadership on the set, showing everyone what it means to be in the top spot. They not only carried themselves with grace, but also treated everyone with respect and made them feel like they were part of a big family. Their actions had a profound impact on me, especially as a young and uncertain actor entering this unknown territory. Their influence gave me the confidence to step up and take on the lead role in Blue Beetle. My main goal was to create an environment where everyone felt valued and appreciated, just like Zabka and Macchio had done for me. I made it a priority to come to set fully prepared and filled with enthusiasm, eager to reciprocate the love and support from everyone around me.
Wow, you’re starring as the lead in a blockbuster superhero flick! And to top it off, this is your first major movie role ever. Did anything during the filming process catch you off guard or completely catch you by surprise? Or maybe there were certain aspects you didn’t anticipate before diving into this exciting project?
Honestly, reading the script for the movie before we started filming was quite surprising to me. Since the character I portrayed is of Latino origin, I was really interested in seeing how deeply we would dive into it and what aspects would be highlighted. I was genuinely blown away by what I read – it was absolutely astonishing. Reading the script was a cathartic experience for me because it made me realize something about my upbringing. You know, all those family dinners I had while growing up, I never really labeled the food as Mexican cuisine, it was just dinner to me. It was just food. And while reading the script, I got that same warm and familiar feeling. The family portrayed in the story felt so genuine, even though they weren’t my real family. I could relate to each character and feel that strong bond of love and support. I was genuinely surprised by how well they captured that essence. And when it came to filming, it was even better because we had the incredible presence of George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, and Belissa Escobedo. It was an absolute blast shooting the movie, and it made me excited for the possibility of continuing this journey as Blue Beetle for many more years to come.
Did you have a chance to have a chat with the fresh faces in charge of DC, namely James Gunn and Peter Safran, to uncover what exciting plans they have in store for this character moving forward?
Sure, I’ve had a chance to talk to them. They are genuinely enthusiastic about our project and eager for us to start creating what could potentially be the next big thing. However, our main focus with this particular movie is to showcase Jaime’s journey and the Reyes family’s experiences. I can’t wait to see their vision come to life and how Blue Beetle and his family will fit into the larger narrative. To be honest, this movie already fills my heart with joy. Whether we end up making 20 more movies or if this is the only one, what excites me the most is the impact it can have on people, especially young children who will see themselves represented on screen and realize they can also be heroes.
Blue Beetle opens in theaters Aug. 18.