The future of the DCEU is filled with new projects as it continues to embrace the multiverse concept. The franchise will also look to maximize the use of HBO Max as evidenced by the looming arrival of multiple spinoffs like Peacemaker from James Gunn's The Suicide Squad and the Gotham PD series from The Batman universe.
This is only the tip of the iceberg since there is a wide array of DC projects that are in the works. One of the movies that have been in development for quite some time is Blue Beetle.
The upcoming superhero flick was originally announced back in 2018, but it took some time before it landed a director. In February 2021, it was reported that Angel Manuel Soto had been tapped to direct the film.
Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but it was confirmed during Soto's hiring that Blue Beetle will showcase Jaime Reyes as the lead hero.
Now, new information about the movie has surfaced.
BLUE BEETLE WILL REPORTEDLY GO TO STREAMING
LA Times shared in a report that upcoming mid-budget DC movies Batgirl and Blue Beetle are being developed for an HBO Max streaming release, meaning that these films will not have an exclusive theatrical run.
MORE DC MOVIES IN STREAMING?
This development about Batgirl and Blue Beetle isn't surprising, especially after President of DC Films at Warner Bros. Walter Hamada revealed that the studio has a goal of releasing films revolving around “riskier characters” on HBO Max. Still, this could initiate discussion among fans considering the fact that this is the first Latinx superhero film under the DC banner.
It's possible that a limited theatrical run for Blue Beetle is still in store, as many fans would prefer to see the hero's first live-action film appearance on the big screen. While this isn't the first live-action appearance of Jaime Reyes (the character did appear in Smallville), seeing the DC hero in theaters would definitely serve as an inspiration to the Latinx community.
The DC slate has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but the increased focus of the studio on HBO Max could hint that more projects will receive the same treatment.
Despite the release strategy discussion, there is still light at the end of the tunnel for Blue Beetle. Warner Bros. assembled an impressive crew that is passionate about the Jaime Reyes character, and this is a good starting point as the film heads into production.
It will be interesting to witness how Blue Beetle will take shape in the coming months leading to its release.
