James Gunn’s Blue Beetle’s waning appeal in the Western comic book market, according to a box office expert, is due to cultural and demographic differences. The analysts claim that because of this cultural diversity, viewers in the rest of the communities may be able to relate to it much less than Latinos and Latinas.
The DCEU is currently being rebooted as the DC Universe by W.B., which means that the films that were approved by the previous management, including Blue Beetle, are largely being viewed as dead on arrival.
On August 18, 2023 (United States), Blue Beetle finally made its appearance following a string of unsuccessful movies with Latino representation. The Latino community had high expectations for the movie. There have only been a few pictures of it made public, and the majority of them were more of behind-the-scenes glimpses than anything official.
The absence of a trailer or even a teaser has made the silence even worse; it is not encouraging and thus, does not inspire much faith in the movie.
James Gunn’s Blue Beetle Emphasizes More on Latin Culture
When Blue Beetle, the first DC superhero film with a Latino lead, was released on August 18, it was a momentous occasion for the cast and crew of the film. However, the film’s promotional campaign has been without its star cast because actors and screenwriters are on strike.
The Blue Beetle’s declining popularity in the Western market, according to an industry expert, is reportedly caused by cultural and demographic differences. As anticipated, the Latinos who did attend led the group with 38% of the total attendees. They gave the movie a strong 90% rating, which, if it had been the general consensus, would have resulted in an A CinemaScore.
The issue was that the movie’s cultural references did not connect as well with the other communities, which were represented by 27% of the audience who were Caucasians, and gave the film a 75% positive rating.
In line with the film’s B+ CinemaScore, this disconnect caused the general audience rating to drop to 84% positive with 65% strongly recommending it. Thus, it is clear that this movie will be popular with people who are Latino or Hispanic, and if not, they might not enjoy Blue Beetle as much.
Blue Beetle Could Be Part of James Gunn’s Big DCU Plans?
Despite how gloomy the film’s prospects appear to be, DC co-head, James Gunn has shown some signs of enthusiasm for Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle. This is more positive than what can be said about his opinions of other recent DC movies, and Blue Beetle might be included in his new DC Universe.
Gunn previously revealed the Maridueña-led character’s potential future in the studio, as he stated in a tweet:
“Yes. Blue Beetle (played by the wonderful @xolo_mariduena) & a handful of other characters will continue on in the DCU.”
In an interview with Discussing Film, director Angel Manuel Soto discussed his hopes for Jaime Reyes’ (Xolo Maridueña) story to be continued and how the fact that he represents Latino culture will be a major factor in the DC’s upcoming installments:
“Yes, we chose the best hits from the different comics and the possibilities for Jaime’s adventures and the possible interactions he can have with other superheroes are endless. However, for us to see that he is Latino, that his family is Latino, that his culture is part of his essence, and for him to be the first superhero of James Gunn’s universe – for me, that is a milestone of representation. Because for the first time, we have been able to see ourselves as the superheroes of our stories and we are no longer the villains in the stories of others. Jaime Reyes has a lot more stories to tell. And not only him! I think Blue Beetle can open doors for other Latino superheroes and superheroes of other nationalities to play a more prominent role [in the DCU]. But, most of all, for Latino stories to be told by Latinos.”
In Blue Beetle, in addition to Mariduena, other actors include Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, Becky G, Damián Alcázar, Belissa Escobedo, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo, and Raoul Trujillo as well as Susan Sarandon, who plays the main antagonist.
Blue Beetle, an action-adventure superhero movie, is already in theaters.
Source- Twitter
