A while ago, we learned that Warner Bros. and HBO Max are developing a film centered on the Jaime Reyes iteration of DC hero Blue Beetle. Charm City Kings director Angel Manuel Soto was hired to direct the film followed by the casting of Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña as the titular hero. Now, it looks like the project will have a significant change as its release model gets a major upgrade.
Per Variety, Warner Bros. has announced that Blue Beetle is now moving from a streaming release on HBO Max to a theatrical release set for August 18, 2023. It will be the first DC film to center on a Latino superhero. Maridueña will play Jaime Reyes, who gains superpowers when he encounters an alien armor. The film is set to begin filming early next year.
The studio also announced the release dates for upcoming theatrical films such as the Train to Busan English-language remake The Last Train to New York which is set for April 21, 2023 release and the animated Wizard of Oz film Toto which is set for February 2, 2024 release.
It is great to hear that Blue Beetle is now getting a theatrical release as it signifies huge confidence from the studio and it also shows that they are willing to give their first Latino superhero the biggest platform that it can get by providing it a big-screen release and, possibly, a bigger budget. The studio didn't mention why exactly they decided to change its release model, but it is good news for fans who are looking forward to seeing the DC hero make its live-action film debut.
Also Read: Cobra Kai Star Tanner Buchanan Interested to Play Robin Alongside Robert Pattinson's Batman
While Blue Beetle is making its jump to theatrical release, the other DC film that is being developed for HBO Max, Batgirl, is still keeping its streaming release and, given that it already started filming, it is unlikely that the studio will also change its release model.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!