Blue Beetle Twitter Reactions Paint A Positive Future For Gunn & Safran's DC Universe
The Twitter reactions to DC's "Blue Beetle" are overwhelmingly positive.
"Blue Beetle" is the start of a new beginning for Warner Bros. and its slate of DC films. As the superhero genre continues to expand, DC has been going through an identity crisis. Following recent financial misfires, Warner Bros. announced that it would be overhauling its entire DC Cinematic Universe, allowing filmmaker James Gunn and veteran producer Peter Safran the keys to the kingdom as the franchise's new architects. Since last year, the duo has been headlining DC Studios as its CEOs. Their new gigs will see them rebooting and streamlining the expansive superhero series. While the first major production from the new-and-improved DC franchise is slated to be "Superman: Legacy," audiences are excited about "Blue Beetle."
Originally part of the old batch of DC flicks, "Blue Beetle" director Angel Manuel Soto confirmed to Total Film Magazine that the project would be part of Gunn's slate of films. "We are part of the universe, we are part of the world, we are part of the plans that they have been creating for the future installments of the DCU," the director revealed, saying his film isn't tied to previous DC projects.
It looks like "Blue Beetle" is kicking off Gunn and Safran's new DCU with a bang as the film is receiving positive reactions from critics and fans. The reactions to Soto's superhero debut are positive, with many praising the DC film's diversity, familial themes, and emotional heights. "#BlueBeetle is here & Latinos FINALLY have a superhero of their own reflected on the big screen," wrote The Wrap writer Umberto Gonzalez on Twitter. "The film is so incredibly good, so unique & delivers on all fronts giving the superhero genre much-needed sazón! The film's Tangerine Dream inspired synthwave score also rocks!"
Blue Beetle is an action-packed adventure with an emphasis on family
What notably makes "Blue Beetle" stand out for critics is its emphasis on family and community. Twitter user u/Juyeonisseur was particularly pleased with how "Blue Beetle" explored this theme, writing, "The amount of times I cried during this movie caught me off guard but it hit all the right emotional strings for me and the way the cast portrayed the Latino family dynamic so perfectly. Also the chemistry between Xolo and Bruna 10/10."
"Not only is it a fantastic introduction to Jaime Reyes as a character/hero, but also a love letter to the Latino culture, that focuses on family as its foundation," wrote Twitter user @FicoCangiano. Meanwhile, @gsadvbn was equally enthusiastic about the film's family component and its heartfelt qualities, writing, "Was expecting this to be another generic superhero flick, but this movie pleasantly surprised me with how good it was. It's a lot like GOTG 2 with its emphasis on family. If this is what the DCU will be like going forward, then it's definitely in good hands."
The film is also reminding fans of 2008's "Iron Man," an apt comparison considering the Robert Downey Jr.-led film launched the billion-dollar-grossing Marvel Cinematic Universe. "[Blue Beetle] is pretty damn great! Reminded me of the original Iron Man in many ways in delivering a good old-fashioned origin story that doesn't bog itself down with "greater universe" baggage. I hope Gunn and Safran stick to their word of Jaime being the first DCU character," wrote @CodyLeachYT.
Critics can't get enough of the Blue Beetle cast
Audiences have also been full of praise for the cast of "Blue Beetle," especially the lead actor. "Xolo Maridueña was truly PERFECTLY cast as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle and I'm so damn HAPPY that his story isn't even close to being over and we're gonna see his return immediately in the DCU," Twitter user @nightwaynes exclaimed.
"Xolo Maridueña is perfectly cast and SHINES as Jamie Reyes," wrote Twitter user @bigscreenleaks. "George Lopez and Bruna Marquezine are also standouts," they continued. Twitter user @griffschiller was particularly impressed with Maridueña's performance. "Xolo Maridueña's charismatic star-making performance confidently anchors this intimate synthwave journey of family, heritage, & purpose," they wrote, before praising the film for providing a fresh take on the superhero origin story.
While many fans believe that Maridueña was born to play Jaime Reyes, others are singling out the DC film's infectious supporting cast. "Xolo Maridueña and Bruna Marquezine are STARS and Susan Sarandon needs to find a way to keep playing villains because she was menacing as all hell. DC got themselves a hit," shared @KyloCool630.
Based on the early reactions, it looks like "Blue Beetle" is the critical win that DC needs after "Black Adam," "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," and this summer's "The Flash." Will "Blue Beetle" be a box office hit for DC? While initial projections are low, it's possible that positive word of mouth and reviews could compel audiences to check out Jaime Reyes' big screen debut as the first hero in the new DCU.
"Blue Beetle" hits cinemas on August 18.