Xolo Maridueña Confirms Blue Beetle Return in DCU’s Man of Tomorrow

Key points

• Xolo Maridueña confirmed he will return as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for 2027.
• Maridueña stated he was 'totally terrified' of losing the role due to the 2023 film’s poor box office performance and the 2023 strikes that limited promotion.
• James Gunn and the DC team 'appreciated what we made' in the first film, leading to Maridueña’s reinstatement in the DCU.
• Maridueña is also starring in Practical Magic 2 alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, which releases on September 10, 2026.
• The DCU’s Justice League lineup in Man of Tomorrow includes David Corenswet, Milly Alcock, and Aaron Pierre, but currently lacks a Flash character.

Background

Maridueña first starred in Blue Beetle in 2023, becoming the first Latino to lead a live-action superhero film. The film received positive reviews but underperformed at the box office, partly due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes that prevented promotional activities. Our archive from September 2026 noted his initial uncertainty about returning, which was resolved by a direct call from James Gunn. The 2023 film is also available on Prime Video, as noted in our August 2026 coverage.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes Maridueña’s personal anxiety and the emotional relief of being retained, highlighting Gunn’s direct appreciation of the 2023 film. The Direct focuses on the strategic implications for the DCU’s Justice League, arguing that Blue Beetle may serve as a functional replacement for the Flash due to similar youthful, energetic character traits. Yahoo’s coverage mirrors THR’s focus on the uncertainty and the lack of guarantees in Hollywood, but without the specific detail about Gunn’s personal call. All sources agree on the confirmation of Maridueña’s return in Man of Tomorrow, but differ in emphasis: THR on the actor’s emotional journey, The Direct on the ensemble dynamics, and Yahoo on the industry’s unpredictability.

Why it matters

Maridueña’s return solidifies Blue Beetle’s place in the DCU, signaling that the studio values critical acclaim and cultural representation over box office performance. It also highlights the DCU’s strategy of assembling a diverse, intergalactic Justice League, distinct from the DCEU’s Earth-focused team. The absence of a Flash character in the current lineup raises questions about how the DCU will handle speedster-related storylines, potentially shifting focus to other heroes like Blue Beetle.

What to watch

Man of Tomorrow is set for release in 2027. Maridueña will continue to promote Practical Magic 2, which opens on September 10, 2026. The DCU is expected to announce a Flash character in the future, possibly through the upcoming DC Crime TV series, but no official casting has been confirmed yet.