It was reported almost two weeks ago that legendary actress Sharon Stone had joined the cast of Blue Beetle as antagonist Victoria Kord. Now, TheWrap is reporting that Academy Award winning actress Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, The Rocky Horror Picture Show) has replaced Ms. Stone in the role.
It is currently unclear what might have caused talks with Stone to fall through, but the deal with Sarandon appears to be more than mere rumor, as reports are claiming that the deal is finalized.
Victoria Kord is a character with no real basis in the comics, though fans will no doubt be familiar with the surname "Kord". Ted Kord was the 2nd character to hold the title of the Blue Beetle and the predecessor to Jamie Reyes (who will be featured as the hero in the film).
Jamie Reyes will be played by Kobra Kai actor Xolo Mariduena. Rounding out the cast will be Belissa Scobedo, comedian George Lopez, Bruna Marquzine, and raoul Max Trujilo as the the villainous Carapax. The film will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings) and penned by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (Miss Bala).
Blue Beetle is currently expected to arrive on August 18th, 2023. Not much in known about the plot, but the film's current synopsis reads: "A Mexican teenager finds an alien beetle that gives him superpowered armor."