Blue Beetle is set to become the 14th feature addition to the DC Extended Universe. Yes, the upcoming superhero flick is not a part of James Gunn’s DCU. The events of Ezra Miller starrer, The Flash, will reboot DCEU, which will officially culminate with Jason Momoa’s Aquaman sequel. Gunn has already announced DCU’s first slate, “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters”. The first chapter treasures some truly intriguing movie projects like Superman Legacy, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Swamp Thing, The Authority, and The Brave and the Bold (featuring Batman and Damian Wayne’s Robin). As for television shows, fans will get Creature Commandos, Waller, Booster Gold, Lanterns, and many more shows. So, back to our topic, why does Blue Beetle deserve a spot in Gunn’s DCU? Let’s find out!
Blue Beetle debuted in comics during the 1960s. However, its popularity skyrocketed after its third iteration in 2006, Jamie Reyes. The character became an instant hit because of his down-to-earth and childlike persona. He is just a teenager from a Mexican-American family who wants to balance his personal life with his superhero one, pretty much like Peter Parker’s Spider-Man. This scenario makes him a compelling and relatable character.
Reyes’ version of Blue Beetle receives his superpowers from a scarab, bestowing him a wide range of abilities, including enhanced durability, speed, and strength. He can also fly and forge energy constructs to protect himself from enemies. The character has had a long and complex history with several DC characters, including Booster Gold and Batman. In the comics, he has also aided Justice League and Teen Titans several times. All these things prove that he deserves a spot in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU.
The characters we saw in DCEU’s cluttered franchise were likeable, but we should not expect to see them again in future. James Gunn has made sure of it. DCEU had young characters like Barry Allen (The Flash) and Victor Stone (Cyborg). Despite treasuring super-speed, Barry is a kind, down-to-earth, and optimistic man from the inside. On the other hand, we have Victor, who is more of an introspective and serious guy. Both characters could have added a new dynamic to the superhero franchise and taken it in new directions. But Warner Bros’ stupid and controversial decisions and Miller’s controversies made DCEU messier than ever before.
DCU could benefit from a young and likeable character like Jamie Reyes. We do not know if James Gunn has plans to add Blue Beetle to DCU. Let’s see what happens. Blue Beetle will release in theatres on August 18. Stay tuned for more updates.
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