‘Blue Beetle’ Crosses Over USD100 Million But Could Not Break DC’s Curse In 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, caped crusaders and comic enthusiasts, we’ve got some superhero news hot off the press! DC’s latest addition to the cinematic universe, Blue Beetle, has finally broken through the $100 million box office barrier in its fourth weekend. But hold on to your utility belts; it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for this blue-tinted hero.
Blue Beetle Unmasked
Picture this: a brand-new superhero on the block, equipped with alien relics, a super-powered suit, and extraordinary abilities. Sounds like a recipe for success, right? Well, Blue Beetle did have all that, but it took its sweet time to reach that coveted $100 million milestone, especially considering the anticipation surrounding it.
Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and starring Xolo Maridueña as the titular hero, the movie stumbled out of the gate, failing to hit even $50 million globally during its debut weekend. But don’t give up on it just yet; it’s been putting up a valiant fight, dropping less at the box office compared to other DCEU films. As of today, it stands at $101.9 million, desperately trying to avoid the ignominious title of being the lowest-grossing DCEU movie.
However, there’s a twist in this tale. Despite all the glitter and glitz, Blue Beetle couldn’t escape the DCEU’s box office curse. Questions are now swirling about where this character fits into the ever-expanding DC Universe.
Will Blue Beetle Continue in the DCU?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has hinted at a possible return for Blue Beetle in the revamped DC Universe. But here’s the catch: the lackluster box office performance might just put a spanner in the works.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Blue Beetle may not have set the box office on fire, but it’s been a hit with both critics and audiences. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a respectable 78% “certified fresh” score from critics and an impressive 92% from the audience. It’s particularly won praise for its representation of the Latine community and Xolo Maridueña’s standout performance.
In a curious coincidence, Disney’s Haunted Mansion also crossed the $100 million mark on the same day, though it’s nearing the end of its run. Meanwhile, Pixar’s Elemental is making a comeback, surpassing the worldwide collection of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania. The competition in the movie industry is as fierce as ever.
But here’s the kicker: Blue Beetle is still playing in theaters, so there’s hope yet for this blue-clad hero to find its wings.
A Beacon of Diversity and Representation
Now, let’s talk about what really makes Blue Beetle special—a celebration of diversity and representation. The portrayal of Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, the first Latino actor in the DCEU, is an important step towards inclusion. With a supporting cast that mirrors the real world, DC Studios makes a bold statement in the variety they bring to the forefront.
The main character, Jaime Reyes, debuted back in 1939, but it will take until 2023 before you see him shine on the big screen. Blue Beetle embraces multiculturalism with English and Spanish being the primary languages in the film.
Here’s the kicker: the final three DC Universe movies in 2023—Black Adam, Shazam! Maybe Fury of the Gods and The Flash—got great accolades but struggled to make up for it. With a cash flow of about $120 million, Blue Beetle needs to raise between $250 million and $300 million to be profitable. It had to hit about $70 million domestically on opening weekend to get a shot.
Originally set to premiere on HBO Max in February 2021, the film took a different route, opting for a theatrical release until December 2022 after Batgirl was canceled.
Ultimately, while Blue Beetle may not have flown straight to the top of the box office charts, it’s a breath of fresh air on a cinematic universe that needs shaking up so, whether you’re a hardcore DC fan or not he just passively watches movies, Blue Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making with the Beetle.
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