With production on “Superman: Man of Tomorrow” underway, a fan-favorite superhero previously seen in the now-defunct DCEU has reportedly been spotted on the film’s set. The character’s presence may indicate a future role in the formation of the new DCU’s Justice League, known as the Justice Gang.
Although there are no photos to confirm the information, reports from specialized vehicles and several publications on social networks claim that Xolo Maridueña will reprise his role as Blue Beetle in “Man of Tomorrow”. Rumors about the actor’s appearance at the recording location initially circulated on online platforms.
Blue Beetle’s solo film, released in 2023, premiered during a period of public lack of interest in the DCEU. Productions such as “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”, “The Flash” and “Aquaman 2: The Lost Kingdom” recorded poor performance at the box office, leading the hero’s film to be considered a failure, with just US$130.8 million raised globally.
Despite its financial performance, the film received positive reviews from both critics and viewers. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn hinted that he saw the Blue Beetle as an integral part of the new DCU. Even without recent updates, an animated series focused on the character would still be in development.
Jaime Reyes’ participation in “Man of Tomorrow” is consistent with the hero’s connection with the Justice League International in the comics. This team serves as a clear inspiration for the DCU’s Justice Gang, and Blue Beetle’s integration into the group would represent a significant opportunity to put him back in the spotlight in the new phase of the franchise, consolidating his role after the transition from the previous universe.
Jaime, an intelligent and empathetic teenager from El Paso, Texas, assumes the identity of Blue Beetle after an ancient alien scarab attaches itself to his spinal column. In the comic books, the artifact grants him a powerful biomechanical suit, capable of firing energy blasts, flying, creating adaptable armor and weapons, making the hero a crucial member of the Teen Titans and the Justice League.
In the 2023 film, the character was reimagined as a recent college graduate facing family challenges and financial difficulties. With the scarab’s choice, Jaime must master his new powers while defending his family from ruthless corporate villains like Victoria Kord.
After suggesting that the Blue Beetle “fits in very well” in the DCU, Gunn had declared that the Peacemaker has always been in a peculiar position. He explained that while many associated him with the DCEU, the character existed in a DC “in-between universe” where connectivity between productions was less rigorous, especially before the timeline rewrite with “The Flash.”
“We had the freedom to do whatever we wanted. We had that bold ending, which I loved and was one of my favorite moments of the season, but it didn’t fit into the DCU,” added Gunn. “The Peacemaker, like the Blue Beetle, needed very few changes to be easily integrated into the DCU. They fit together very well, but we may need to tweak some details.”
In the “Man of Tomorrow” storyline, Superman will be forced to form an alliance with Lex Luthor to face Brainiac, a threat that transcends Metropolis and puts the entire planet at risk.
Written and directed by James Gunn, the confirmed cast includes David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Lars Eidinger as Brainiac, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag, Sr., Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Milly Alcock like Supergirl.
Andre Royo, Matthew Lillard, Sinqua Walls and Adria Arjona are recent additions to the cast, although there is no confirmation yet whether Adria will play Maxima or Wonder Woman. There is also speculation about Eva De Dominici being cast in one of these roles.
