Blue Beetle is set to be part of DC’s big-screen slate in 2023. The upcoming project was initially planned to debut on HBO Max, but Warner Bros. decided to shift i to a theatrical release. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle will showcase the DCEU debut of Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes a young teen to get his powers from a sacred scarab.
While plot details are still being kept under wraps, it is widely expected that it will explore the origin story of Reyes to become the titular hero. Production has yet to begin, but the film has assembled a stellar ensemble so far, which includes the likes of George Lopez, Harvey Guillen, Bruna Marquezine and Belissa Escobedo.
Now, a new report has revealed that the film has found its main villain.
Susan Sarandon Joins DC's Blue Beetle
The Wrap shared that Susan Sarandon has joined the cast of Blue Beetle as Victoria Kord. The Academy Award-winning actress is set to play the villain, with it being a new character created for the film.
Sarandon is best known for her roles in Bull Durham, Atlantic City, Dead Man Walking, and Sister Helen.
Sharon Stone was reported to be in talks for the role of Victoria Kord, but Sarandon's inclusion confirms that the actress has now dropped out of the negotiations.
Why Sharon Stone Dropped Out of DC Role
Negotiations between actors and the studio could sometimes lead to speed bumps that would eventually derail the deal. It's possible that the same thing happened with the case of Sharon Stone.
While the real reason behind Stone's dropping out will likely not be revealed, there are a plethora of possibilities, such as creative differences with the script or the movie's financial deal.
Despite that, Susan Sarandon's upcoming involvement offers a fresh opportunity for the actress as she is set to explore a brand-new character created specifically for the movie. Sarandon's role as Victoria Kord means that she has a connection to the first Blue Beetle, Ted Kord, but the fact that she is a villain could turn some heads since it is an unexpected twist.
Victoria's ties to Ted are still unknown, but it is likely that she could be portraying the character's wife as opposed to his mother or another relative. There was a previous rumor that Lady Styx will be the primary antagonist of the film, and this could mean that Victoria could transform into the Darkseid-like villain to duke it out against Jaime Reyes.
Blue Beetle is set to premiere in theaters on August 18, 2023.
