Despite originally being earmarked for an HBO Max release, we recently learned that Blue Beetle will instead premiere in theaters. It feels like the right decision for a movie that puts a character like Jaime Reyes front and centre, and excitement for the project has definitely increased with each subsequent piece of casting news we get.
One of the biggest additions was Susan Sarandon as the villainous Victoria Kord, a character created specifically for the DC Extended Universe who shares a surname with a certain someone.
We are, of course, talking about Ted Kord. The DC Universe's original Blue Beetle, Ted first appeared in 1966 and is a beloved character among comic book fans. Now, The Cosmic Circus is reporting that Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis has boarded the project as this iconic superhero.
Apparently, a cast listing for a "Ted Body Double" reveals that Warner Bros. is looking for a "blonde ad brunette talent for a still photo shoot," and it's noted that this stand-in must "match the complexion of the reference photo." That's clearly a photo of Sudeikis, even though his eyes have been blurred out in a pretty poor effort to hide the actor's identity.
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, Blue Beetle stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, Belissa Escobedo as Milagros Reyes, George Lopez as Uncle Rudy, Adriana Barraza as Nana, Elpidia Carrillo as Rocio, Damián Alcázar as Alberto, and Harvey Guillén in an unknown role.
We'll see if Sudeikis winds up playing Ted, but the signs are certainly pointing to that being the case. We'll no doubt find out more ahead of Blue Beetle's release on August 18, 2023.