DC Finally Returning To Power At The Box Office

By Sckylar Gibby-Brown | Updated

blue beetle superhero movie news
Blue Beetle

The summer blockbusters of the last month have revived hope in the movie industry that theatrical releases can still pack a punch and attract a huge audience. Between Barbie and Oppenheimer, theaters are doing better than ever. But they’re not the only flicks that are proving to be able to put butts in seats at the AMC since DC’s newest tentpole, Blue Beetle, has brought in a whopping $3.3 million during previews alone.

It is projected to make a minimum of $25 million during its opening weekend, according to Variety.

Barbie might be one of the most successful movies of all time, and DC might have a history of disappointing films that yield lackluster financial results. But all that might change if Blue Beetle meets the expectations experts are projecting. 

But Blue Beetle is doing more than just switching up the standard superhero origin story—Mariduena is also the first ever Latino superhero to star in a DC or Marvel film.

Blue Beetle, starring Xolo Mariduena of Cobra Kai fame and directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, is shaping up to be more than just another superhero flick. It marks a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the genre. And, based on what we’ve learned from the Barbie craze, breaking barriers and blazing new trails is in right now. 

In Blue Beetle, Mariduena stars as Jaime Reyes, a young teenager who stumbles upon a mysterious alien artifact. The encounter transforms his life, encasing him in a cutting-edge exoskeleton suit of a vivid blue hue, bestowing upon him incredible abilities like flight, energy projection, and super strength.

But Blue Beetle is doing more than just switching up the standard superhero origin story—Mariduena is also the first ever Latino superhero to star in a DC or Marvel film.

blue beetle
Blue Beetle

The star power of Blue Beetle is not confined to Mariduena alone. The film boasts an ensemble cast of seasoned actors who lend their talents to bring this superhero narrative to life. Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcazár, Raoul Max Trujillo, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Bruna Marquezine, Harvey Guillén, and Becky G. contribute their expertise to create a cinematic experience that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Blue Beetle marks another step in the expansion of the DC cinematic universe, following the footsteps of earlier releases like Shazam: Fury of the Gods and The Flash. These movies have ignited excitement among fans and set the stage for the introduction of new heroes and villains. As anticipation builds for the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom later this year, Blue Beetle showcases DC’s commitment to exploring diverse narratives and showcasing a wide array of characters, each with a unique story to tell.

Blue Beetle racked in $3.3 million during preview, and it is projected to make a minimum of $25 million during its opening weekend.

As the countdown to Blue Beetle’s release begins, the film is poised to dominate its opening weekend with a projected earning of $25 million to $32 million, setting the stage for a new Latino-led superhero franchise. Meanwhile, Barbie, after a remarkable run, is expected to contribute an additional $17 million to $20 million to its already impressive box office tally.

The projected success of Blue Beetle and the already proven success of Barbie showcase more than just excellent entertainment. It symbolizes the evolution of the film industry and the commitment creatives have to diversity, representation, and the power of storytelling. As these two cinematic giants vie for the attention of audiences worldwide, they remind us that cinema has the ability to unite, inspire, and captivate across genres and narratives.