Original plans called for Blue Beetle to be released on what was then known as HBO Max. Alongside Batgirl, it was to be the first of a number of lower-budgeted DCEU titles made for streaming in an effort to expand that shared world and increase subscriber numbers.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav had other ideas, though, pulling the plug on Batgirl and deciding Blue Beetle should be released in theaters.
The movie is currently eyeing a so-so $30 million opening weekend, but we may be looking at a rare hit for DC should it prove to have legs. James Gunn, who said The Flash was "one of the greatest superhero movies ever made," has previously hyped Blue Beetle by saying, "the first DCU character, for sure, is Blue Beetle."
However, it seemingly isn't set in the DCU as Gunn later added that Superman: Legacy is "the first full DCU movie." Confused yet? Well, doing little to clear things up is the fact Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Soto has confirmed his movie is tied to 2013's Man of Steel.
"Waking up in Mexico to the news that [Zack] Snyder wants to see it too, a director that I respect so much, that his films are an immense influence," the filmmaker told Nestor Bentancor when asked about his fellow filmmaker's recent endorsement. "Even in 'Blue Beetle,' there are some references to 'Man of Steel' that we made out of honor and respect for the work and art of Zack Snyder."
This somewhat contradicts Soto's previous comments about Blue Beetle fitting into the DCU with ease (due to what were previously suspected to be vague references to other DC characters like Batman and Superman).
It could be that he's just trying to appeal to DCEU and SnyderVerse fans - the cast not being able to promote the movie isn't going to help its opening weekend - but these constant contradictions are doing little to help build excitement for the new DCU. That was evident from last week's Wonder Woman debacle.
Blue Beetle opens in theaters this Friday, August 18.