Blue Beetle’s director Angel Manuel Soto is confident about the return of the character in the future of the DCU despite the current changes undergoing in the franchise, now that James Gunn and Peter Safran are taking over.

Just like Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Blue Beetle got caught in the middle of some major changes inside Warner Bros. Discovery’s administration, which have mostly affected the DC Comics franchise. A new universe is being built around the characters from the comic book company, which means many of the characters that have already been introduced will be rebooted, and many actors won’t be returning to play their roles within the franchise. But Xolo Mariduena may be one of the exceptions.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that Jaime Reyes is going to be part of the new canon, and now Soto reaffirms it. While promoting the film on a recent press conference in Mexico City, the director spoke about the future of the character (via X user GeekRoomArg):

“Best of all, the Blue Beetle story is expanding, and we are going to have more of Jaime Reyes in the future.”

The film follows the story of Jaime, a young man that comes back home after finishing college, trying to find his place in the world. While looking for a job to help his family, Jaime ends up guarding an ancient artifact known as the scarab, which chooses him to be his new host. The company that owned the scarab goes after Jaime and his family, while he’s trying to figure out how to use his new abilities and become a hero.

Related: Angel Manuel Soto Originally Wanted to Make a Bane Origin Film Before He Was Offered Blue Beetle

Why Keeping Blue Beetle Is a Good Choice for the New DCU?
Warner Bros. Pictures

Although a fresh start may be exactly what the franchise needs after so many conflicts and failures at the box office, keeping some of the characters from the previous canon can help the new universe to have a base from where to start from.

The good thing about Jaime Reyes is that it’s a relatively new character. The latest iteration of the classic hero was introduced in 2006, which means it only has been around for less than 20 years, which compared to characters like Superman or Batman is a really short period of time.

Xolo Mariduena is other good reason to keep the character. The Cobra Kai alum is a raising star and has a bright future in the industry, so as his popularity grows, the character’s will do it too, bringing a new generation of fans to the DCU. Something the franchise desperately needs.

Jaime’s Blue Beetle also has a strong connection with the Latin American community, and Latino fans are famous for being passionate and devoted to their representatives, something that could be helpful in the future to bring people to theaters and support the upcoming projects from the franchise.

Blue Beetle hits theaters on August 18.