James Gunn Reportedly Bringing Back Major New DCEU Hero for DC Reboot

By Russ Milheim Updated:
James Gunn, Justice League, Blue Beetle

A new trade report seemingly confirmed that new DC Studios co-leads James Gunn and Peter Safran are carrying over at least one major new DCEU superhero.

The status of everyone's favorite DCEU heroes have been up in the air ever since DC Studios got new leadership. Currently, only Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck are officially out.

While it's probable that the likes of Zachary Levi's Shazam or Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman are also finished, it has not been explicitly confirmed. Then there's Ezra Miller's Flash, which is its own ordeal.

But now, fans can feel a little more confident that at least one new DCEU face will be carried over into the new DCU. 

James Gunn Keeping the Beetle?

Blue Beetle superhero suit in movie
DC

A new report from Deadline shared a report noting that DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn will bring a key DCEU character into his new DCU.

That character? One who hasn't even had his official introduction yet: Jamie Reyes' Blue Beetle.

The first trailer for his debut movie, which can be seen here, was just released, promising to be a colorful, thrilling ride.

Blue Beetle is set to hit theaters on August 18, 2023.

The Rise of the Blue Beetle

It's been assumed by many that Blue Beetle would basically be the first film in James Gunn's new DCU. The filmmaker basically said it himself when he noted how the movie would easily fit in due to being so disconnected from the wider DCEU.

In December of 2022, select press even got promotional materials for the movie that seemed to hint how the upcoming film would be the first proper DCU project to release.

The recent trailer seems to have landed well with audiences, which aligns with the positive test screening reactions that hit the web earlier this year.

Based on the new footage, the project already feels like DC Studios is about to introduce its own Spider-Man-esque character. So, if his debut lands just right, it wouldn't be surprising if Warner Bros. looked to keep Xolo Maridueña's hero around.

Blue Beetle arrives in theaters on August 18.

- In This Article: Blue Beetle
Release Date
August 18, 2023
Platform
Theaters
Actors
George Lopez
Susan Sarandon
- About The Author: Russ Milheim
Russ Milheim is the Industry Relations Coordinator at The Direct. On top of utilizing his expertise on the many corners of today’s entertainment to cover the latest news and theories, he establishes and maintains communication and relations between the outlet and the many studio and talent representatives.