Xolo Maridueña has made a name for himself kicking ass in Netflix's Cobra Kai, but his biggest role yet will come in DC Comics movie Blue Beetle. Originally scheduled for an HBO Max premiere, it was recently confirmed that Jaime Reyes' live-action debut will arrive in theaters on August 18, 2023, when director Angel Manuel Soto will give the character the big screen treatment he deserves.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Maridueña talked about going from karate to superhero action.
"Honestly, it feels like I've skipped a few stepping stones. 'Cobra Kai' has been such a wonderful opportunity, (and) it feels a little bit intimidating being this is my first movie and it's in a realm that's totally different than anything I've ever worked on," the actor confessed. "I'm nervous, but I'm excited. It's gonna be important, not only for Latinos and to see people of color, brown people, represented onscreen, but also show a story that we haven't really seen before."
As for whether he's seen his Blue Beetle costume yet, the actor confirmed he's already tried it on and shared high praise for the suit first revealed in concept art during last October's DC FanDome event. "We've done two suit fittings," Maridueña teased. "They're hoping that I get more buff by the time we actually start filming. But I've seen the suit, and it looks awesome."
Blue Beetle is a step in the right direction for the DC Extended Universe, particularly when it comes to bringing a greater number of diverse superheroes to the big screen. Fans have been hoping to see Reyes ever since a TV show featuring the character was first rumoured, and a movie promises to be an effective showcase for what he can do in a live-action setting.
As noted, Blue Beetle is set to be released on August 18, 2023.