Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to pull the plug on Batgirl sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with many wondering if Blue Beetle might be next to go. That movie was also originally set to be released on HBO Max before being shifted to theaters, but what little we've seen in set photos indicate that it may be far from the sort of big budget superhero film CEO David Zaslav wants to release.
Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, lead star Xolo Mariduena was asked for his reaction to Batgirl's cancellation. As you might expect, he gave pretty much the most diplomatic answer ever.
"It obviously feels very close, right? Warner Brothers and Beetle. But I think everything that has to be said on the topic has been spoken from [those involved]," the actor said, choosing his words carefully. "I think the creators and Leslie said everything that had to be said."
We wouldn't be too shocked if Blue Beetle is never released, especially given its lack of big stars and a lower budget. Whether Warner Bros. wants to deal with the backlash all over again (especially as this movie also features a Latin lead) is another matter altogether, though.
Elsewhere in this conversation, Mariduena was asked about suiting up as the DC Comics superhero for the first time. "Every time getting in the suit I get so giddy. The thing is sick, it’s awesome and being in it is even cooler," he says. "I’m really excited for everyone to see everything that the suit can do in the movie."
We hope Blue Beetle does see the light of day because it sounds like a project Mariduena cares a lot about. And, if you'd like to feel really old, we'd recommend reading the full interview with the 21-year-old Cobra Kai actor in which he asks the journalist he's speaking to if there were any superhero movies before 2008's Iron Man.
Blue Beetle is currently set to be released in theaters on August 18, 2023.