Xolo Maridueña is one of very few former DCEU stars who won’t be recast in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe, as the actor is set to return as Blue Beetle in a new animated project. Maridueña is best known for his starring role in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, as well as 2023’s Blue Beetle, which was arguably the best of the DCEU’s final slate of movies before the reins were handed to Gunn. Maridueña’s new animated series has received very few updates since it was announced last June. However, the actor has finally come to the rescue with a much-needed update… and a potential release date.
During an interview with The Direct during the 2025 Saturn Awards, Maridueña teased when fans can expect to see the new Blue Beetle animated series. “I’m ready to come back,” the actor said after winning the Saturn Award for Best Young Performer in a Television Series for his long-running role in Cobra Kai. “We’re hitting hard this animated project, hoping to get this settled out this year to show everyone next year.” Miguel Puga will serve as the showrunner on the Blue Beetle animated series, with Cristian Martinez writing.
Maridueña played Jaime Reyes in the 2023 movie, who was chosen by an alien “Scarab,” and became the titular Blue Beetle. The character is one of the most popular in the DC Comics catalog, and has been a member of the Justice League, Young Justice, and Teen Titans, the latter of which are finally getting their own movie in the DCU. Official updates about the Blue Beetle animated series are scarce. Since the show’s announcement last year, neither Gunn, DC Studios, nor Warner Bros. have given any major updates about the state of the series.
Xolo Maridueña Addresses Blue Beetle’s Live-Action Future

While James Gunn hasn’t yet confirmed Blue Beetle’s live-action future in the DC Universe, there is a chance we could see Xolo Maridueña suit up once again on the big screen. When Gunn first took over the cinematic universe, he explained that characters would often cross over from animation to live-action, and from TV to the big screen, with 2024’s Creature Commandos being a perfect example of incorporating live-action characters into an animated show.

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Maridueña didn’t give any definitive answers about his live-action future in the DCU, but the actor said he’s desperate to suit up as Jaime Reyes on the big screen for a second time. “Look, [Gunn’s] got his hands in his kitchen,” the actor said when asked about playing Blue Beetle in live-action again. “I don’t want to walk in while the chef is doing his thing.” He continued:

“But I can say that once they’re finished with this three-course meal, I’m ready. And look, I have no reason to believe that he’s lying. Like, whatever, we’re adults, say whatever you want to say! [laughs] I’m just happy to have done this first one and I’ll continue to spread the word about that while we get the second one drafted up.”

Blue Beetle

3
/5

Release Date

August 18, 2023

Runtime

127 Minutes