Summary

DC Universe undergoing major changes with James Gunn revamping cinematic universe, and Blue Beetle is not in immediate live-action plans.
Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios are developing a new animated series starring Blue Beetle, potentially featuring Jaime Reyes again.
New DC Universe includes Superman, Batman with son, and other superhero projects to revitalize franchise on the big screen and in series.

A new Blue Beetle project is on the way from Warner Bros. and DC Studios. The much-loved comic book character made his live-action, big-screen debut in the 2023 movie, titled Blue Beetle, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, and starring Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle. The film was moderately well received by critics, and loved by audiences, but just managed to scrape back its $100 million budget at the box office. The DC Universe is also in the midst of a major shake-up from The Suicide Squad director, James Gunn, who is completely revamping the underperforming cinematic universe with a new slate of movies, which (at least at the moment) doesn’t include a return for Blue Beetle.

While the character’s live-action future is up in the air, Blue Beetle will return to our screens through the medium of animation. Deadline are reporting that Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios are producing a new animated series starring Blue Beetle. Miguel Puga (The Casagrandes) has been working on the new animated project since the start of 2024 and will serve as showrunner on the new project. Cristian Martinez (Women of the Movement) will write the series. Plot details have not been revealed, but the report confirms that “the animated series will build on the movie, developed under DC Studios’ previous regime, but will divert from telling the same story.” No confirmed or potential cast has been announced, but the report suggests that the animated series could (if popular) see Xolo Maridueña return to play Jaime Reyes again on the big screen.

Blue Beetle Release Date August 18, 2023 Runtime 127 Minutes

While the DC Extended Universe’s live-action movies have seen hit or miss results over the last decade, DC’s animated movies have long found success within the fan base. It is uncertain whether the Blue Beetle series will be released on Max’s streaming service, or on Adult Swim, like My Adventures With Superman.

What’s Next for the DC Universe?

Blue Beetle’s second chance at success isn’t tied to James Gunn’s reworking of the DC Universe. Following a string of critically and commercially underwhelming releases, the DC Universe is getting a face lift, and a whole host of new movies and series to jump start the franchise back to life. The first project in the new DCU is Gunn’s own Superman, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. Batman is also getting another movie, this time with his son, Damien Wayne, in tow, in The Brave and the Bold. As well as DC’s most trusted properties, the new DC Universe will also introduce Swamp Thing, The Authority, and Teen Titans to the big screen for the first time.

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Just like the MCU is currently doing on Disney+, the new DC Universe will also feature several new series, including an animated Creature Commandos show, the second season of Peacemaker, a live-action Booster Gold show, a return to Themyscira in Paradise Lost, a shot at redemption for Green Lantern in Lanterns, and a very intriguing Arkham Asylum series from Matt Reeves.

James Gunn’s
Superman
is scheduled to reboot the DC Universe when it releases in theaters on July 11, 2025.