The young actor Xolo Mariduena, familiar to many from “Cobra Kai”, discovered a shared trait with his role in the DC Studios’ latest offering, “Blue Beetle”: neither can keep secrets from their loved ones.
In this groundbreaking DC film, Mariduena plays Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate who becomes the first-ever Latino superhero on the silver screen. The challenge? Trying to conceal his superhero identity.
“I couldn’t keep it from my parents that I’m the Blue Beetle. Coming from a Latino background, I understand that we don’t have secrets in our families. This movie emphasizes that the real superhero is the family itself,” Mariduena shared with Reuters prior to the film’s promotion being paused due to the Screen Actors Guild strike.
The story unfolds as Jaime, after completing his college studies, returns to Palmera City. His life takes an unexpected turn when an alien blue scarab selects him to be the Blue Beetle. This scarab not only becomes a protective armour but also presents Jaime with the responsibility of ensuring it doesn’t get into malicious hands, all while safeguarding his family.
Set to release this Friday, the film boasts an impressive cast including comedian George Lopez as Uncle Rudy and Susan Sarandon in a pivotal antagonist role.
The essence of Latino family values was central to the narrative for Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto of the Warner Bros production.
“The strength and spirit of our community shine through each character in the film, from parents to siblings. Uncle Rudy’s character, for instance, is a touching tribute to the film writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s uncle who passed away recently,” commented Soto. “This was our way to celebrate him and infuse the storyline with his unique energy.”
Soto stressed the importance of promoting equity in entertainment. With Latino talent often being overshadowed, it’s time for a change in the narrative. A recent report from Variety highlighted that 27 Latino organizations in Hollywood have endorsed a public letter emphasizing the significance of promoting Latino contributions, with a special shoutout to “Blue Beetle.”
Mariduena remains hopeful, viewing “Blue Beetle” as a pioneering step. He anticipates that this will pave the way for many more Latino superheroes to dazzle on the big screen.
As “Blue Beetle” soars onto the big screen, it’s more than just another superhero film; it’s a testament to the richness of Latino culture and the long-awaited representation of Latino superheroes in mainstream cinema. The industry is at the cusp of embracing diverse narratives, and with trailblazers like Mariduena and Soto at the forefront, the future looks promising for inclusive storytelling. Let this be the dawn of a new era where every superhero, regardless of their background, finds a home in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
