The Blue Beetle trailer is receiving off-the-charts positive reactions from DC Film fans but has also simultaneously displeased some folks for including the ‘Batman is a Fascist’ dialogue. The first Latino superhero DC Film stars Xolo Maridueña in the titular role as Jaime Reyes – a teenager whose life changes after an ancient artifact called “the scarab” attaches itself to him.
Warner Bros. Pictures has not given up on delivering a wholesome family entertainer superhero pic and from the looks of it, Blue Beetle may succeed where Shazam 2 failed. Moreover, since Blue Beetle was developed under the DC Extended Universe banner the project was considered to be the final standalone from the ongoing interconnected franchise. However, Deadline reports there are plans to incorporate the character into James Gunn’s DCU.
While the general reactions are filled with praises for focusing on Reyes’s family dynamic in his superhero journey – some DCU fans are ticked off by George Lopez‘s character line, ‘Batman is a Fascist’ in the ending of Blue Beetle trailer. The scene in question shows the first look at the Beetle Nest, the superhero’s lair which is similar to the Batcave.
A fan/video creator ranted at the ‘Batman is a Fascist’ comment which surprisingly caught the director’s attention as well. But filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto was unphased by the criticism, even going as far as responding to the rant with a laughing emoji and the famous Skeletor meme. The director has been active on Twitter reacting to fans’ opinions on the trailer.
Blue Beetle fans also quizzed the director if trailer references Gundam’s Obari Pose
This is not the first time DCU has been criticized for mocking Batman or other characters from the Justice League. In 2018, the Titans series received flak for dropping the f-bomb on Batman. Similarly, HBO Max’s Peacemaker also faced backlash for insulting Batman with harsh NSFW words.
George Lopez saying "Batman is a Fascist" has this mf riled up💀
I need more lines like that from the movie if they're freaking out like thispic.twitter.com/QekirknDgq
— Officer Martinez ➐ (@CBMovieFan) April 3, 2023
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/S4pH2OWhZZ
— Ángel Manuel Soto (@angelmanuelsoto) April 3, 2023
Watch out they’ll make videos saying you “attacked” the fans 😭 https://t.co/3VGQoFpaGI
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) April 3, 2023
— Ángel Manuel Soto (@angelmanuelsoto) April 3, 2023
@angelmanuelsoto was this intentional? https://t.co/Ichwql2a0X
— Davis Madole (@titangoji) April 3, 2023
— Ángel Manuel Soto (@angelmanuelsoto) April 3, 2023
Angel Manuel Soto has also been reacting with cryptic gif tweets to fan queries regarding Jaime Reyes’ sword stance – a standout moment for its Final Fantasy VII nod by showing him manifest a Buster Sword. Though some also quizzed the helmer if it references Gundam’s Obari Pose.
There has been some doubt if the movie could do well at the box office but Blue Beetle fans are confident the marketing will do wonders unlike Shazam 2 since the origin flick features Bruna Marquezine, a well-known actress in Brazil. Readers can check out reactions below.
I’m in complete awe over how AMAZING the Blue Beetle suit looks 😩 #BlueBeetle pic.twitter.com/syqvPbCrXu
— sabrina 🦇 (@nightwaynes) April 3, 2023
The blue beetle suit is praiseworthy, it's literally straight out from the comics pic.twitter.com/FPqcrcRkcS
— gus 🦇 (@Guslivesagain) April 3, 2023
#BlueBeetle is going to be huge. Some of y’all haters underestimate the fans. There’s so much hype and excitement for this film, this cast and these characters. It’s going to be a blast! VAMOS!!!🙌🏼 @angelmanuelsoto @Xolo_Mariduena @BruMarquezine #BlueBeetleDC #BlueBeetleMovie pic.twitter.com/ATSB11QRhN
— FilmakerMike and The Boys (@FMandTBpodcast) April 4, 2023
Deadline says #BlueBeetle could actually be the first legit entry in the new DCU timeline (may be B.O. performance dependent?). In any case, I REALLY like the tone and the visuals are great. Love to see it leaning into the history & lore at large too. Bring it on. Congrats… pic.twitter.com/NaQsPiWFH1
— Ryan (@itsRyanUnicomb) April 3, 2023
Ngl i got Blue Beetle fever. This movie looks like a combo of Iron Man and Spider-Man with an incredible supporting cast and I just cannot wait for it to come out 🙌🏽🔵🪲 @angelmanuelsoto felicidades, un abrazo mano! 🔥
— Jeff Torres (@iamJeffTorres) April 4, 2023
"Batman is a fascist" 😭😭😭#BlueBeetle pic.twitter.com/63oaNp5mp5
— Chief Mackenzie Bock (@GothamChief) April 3, 2023
My favorite thing about this is how involved the entire familia is with our new hero. And that cast!!! https://t.co/yWCuZtI4if
— Jorge R. Gutierrez (@mexopolis) April 3, 2023
ok but can we talk about the attention to colors in this scene #BlueBeetle #BlueBeetleMovie pic.twitter.com/YmmBaKIsqN
— grace ❤︎︎ meg day!! (@brutaldaya) April 3, 2023
Ngl I’m really happy they didn’t give Blue Beetle’s suit the mouth pic.twitter.com/OIIO42dx77
— J.Y18 (@Superherotalk18) April 3, 2023
Someone finally realised Blue Beetle is a tokusatsu hero. pic.twitter.com/bIOdLKKB4j
— Alfie ☀️ (@AGeekForFun) April 3, 2023
OH MY GOD!😭 #BlueBeetle pic.twitter.com/Wpy1mypQ3H
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) April 3, 2023
Blue Beetle was initially greenlit into development as a direct-to-streaming for HBO Max, similar to Batgirl. However, the project was later scheduled for theatrical release, which worked in WBD’s favor at a time when the studio was criticized for canceling an origin feature starring a Latina in the lead superhero role.
Blue Beetle arrives in theaters on August 18.
