Xolo Maridueña has admitted he was “totally terrified” that his time as Blue Beetle had come to an abrupt end after the 2023 film’s theatrical run, only to learn that DC Studios co-head James Gunn genuinely valued what the cast and crew had accomplished. The 25-year-old actor, who starred as Jaime Reyes in the superhero adventure directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, opened up about the anxiety he felt during the uncertain period before Gunn’s new DC universe plans were fully revealed.
The movie, which premiered on August 16, 2023, followed Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate returning home with big dreams only to discover his family’s situation has changed. His fate takes a dramatic turn when he comes into possession of an ancient alien artifact called the Scarab, which grants him a powerful armored suit and thrusts him into a conflict with formidable foes. Maridueña headlined the cast alongside Bruna Marquezine, Susan Sarandon, Raoul Max Trujillo, Belissa Escobedo, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, and George López, with the film running 128 minutes in its original English-language release.
Speaking about the emotional rollercoaster following the film’s debut, Maridueña recalled the widespread speculation that the standalone picture might be the last audiences would see of his character. In the entertainment industry, such doubts often linger when a new studio leadership takes over an established franchise, and the actor admitted the uncertainty weighed heavily on him.
“I was totally terrified that we were done,” Maridueña reportedly said during a recent conversation about his experience. The fear wasn’t just about losing the role but about watching something he had poured himself into potentially disappear from the larger DC slate. Yet that fear eventually gave way to relief when Gunn reached out personally to reassure him.
According to Maridueña, Gunn expressed sincere admiration for the first film’s tone, heart, and the chemistry the ensemble had built on screen. The studio executive made it clear that he “appreciated what we made” rather than viewing it as a stepping stone or a problem to fix. That validation, Maridueña suggested, meant more than just a green light for future appearances - it signaled respect for the creative choices that had already been made.
The actor’s comments come as fans continue to await official confirmation about Blue Beetle’s place in the new DC universe. While no concrete sequel announcement has been made public, Gunn’s supportive stance has fueled optimism that Jaime Reyes will return in some capacity. For Maridueña, the knowledge that the people running the studio didn’t see his film as a misfire but as something worth building upon has shifted his own perspective.
“Hearing that from someone like James Gunn, who has such a strong vision for this universe, was a huge weight off my shoulders,” Maridueña reflected. He noted that the fan response to the movie, which earned a TMDb rating of 6.619 out of 10, also played a role in how he processed the experience. The film’s mix of action, science fiction, and adventure resonated with audiences who appreciated a fresh take on the superhero genre, one centered on a Latino family and grounded in relatable struggles.
The original movie, produced under the previous DC regime, was notable for being the first live-action theatrical feature centered on the Blue Beetle character. Maridueña’s portrayal of Jaime Reyes, a young man navigating post-graduation life while shouldering unexpected responsibility, struck a chord with viewers looking for representation and emotional stakes amid the spectacle. Soto’s direction balanced large-scale set pieces with intimate family dynamics, giving the film an identity distinct from other entries in the genre.
As Maridueña looks ahead, he said he now feels less anxious about what comes next, knowing that his work has been acknowledged by the leadership charting DC’s future. Whether that leads to a sequel, a crossover appearance, or an animated project remains to be seen, but the actor’s tone suggests he’s no longer bracing for the worst. Instead, he’s focusing on the pride of having been part of a film that meant something to its audience, and on the possibility of continuing that story in a way that honors what was already established.
For fans who embraced Blue Beetle’s debut, Maridueña’s comments offer a reassuring glimpse behind the curtain - a reminder that even in a landscape defined by corporate reboots and shifting strategies, the people making these decisions sometimes genuinely care about what artists have built. The actor’s honesty about his fears also underscores just how much this character and this movie mean to him personally. He didn’t treat the role as just another paycheck; he treated it as a responsibility, both to the comic book source material and to the viewers who saw themselves in Jaime Reyes.
Until official announcements arrive, speculation will continue about where Blue Beetle fits in the broader DC slate. But for now, Maridueña seems at peace, grateful that the uncertainty didn’t end the way he once dreaded. James Gunn’s appreciation, he made clear, changed everything for him.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
