From a leg sweeper on “Cobra Kai,” to the first Latino lead in a superhero film, actor Xolo Maridueña was dedicated to his role in the new DC film, “Blue Beetle.”
Maridueña plays the role of Jaime Reyes, a newly graduated law student looking to financially support his family. In hopes of finding a job, Reyes encounters a bug-like piece of technology that fuses itself with his body, becoming the first live-action Blue Beetle.
Maridueña’s portrayal of Reyes is very authentic. Not only does he look extremely identical to the character’s comic counterpart, but he also matches his charismatic and optimistic personality. As the film continued on, Maridueña really gave off Robert Downey Jr. vibes. It felt as if he is the only actor who can authentically portray the character; he was born to play the role.
The actor was extremely disciplined during his superhero transformation. He bulked up to 130 pounds, then added on approximately 30 pounds of muscle to his physique. “A lot of it was just eating the right amount,” he stated. It is also obvious that his martial arts training and weight-lifting regime was a substantial factor in his conversion.
Unlike some other DC films, “Blue Beetle” focuses on the main character himself. It dives into the Latin world where Reyes was raised, emphasizing his life in poverty, challenges growing up, and building chemistry with his new scarab sidekick. In other projects, such as “The Flash” or “Black Adam,” DC followed a trend where the films featured major characters such as Batman or Wonder Woman. This made it difficult to focus on the introduced character, becoming more of “The Avengers” type movies.
The action sequences are a highlight, with mind-blowing choreography and special effects. This comes as no surprise, as the star of the film is also the All-Valley Champion of the “Cobra Kai” universe. The fights aren’t just for show; they serve to develop Jaime Reyes’ progression as a superhero. Reyes realizes the quick wit required during battle, making split second decisions, with one even costing a life.
The film’s diverse cast for Latin representation in both lead and supporting roles is a sight to see as a Mexican-American. It not only adds authenticity to the story, but also serves as a milestone in increasing diversity in mainstream cinema.
“Blue Beetle” not only expands the DCEU, but also stands on its own as an exciting and significant superhero film to its universe. It blends action, emotion, humor, and culture, making it a must-watch for both DC fans and the Latin world.
