Summary
Blue Beetlefound another chance at finding its audience after the film bombed hard at the box office. The DC movie scored a victory after premiering on the Max streaming service.
StarringCobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña and industry legends George Lopez and Susan Sarandon,Blue Beetlewas labeled another superhero flopafter its disappointing box office performance. Amid increasing theater ticket prices and declining interest in comic-book films, DC has struggled to keep enthusiasm up.Blue Beetlefans have defended the film’s merits, but the recent Warner Bros. disaster only grossed a measly $25.4 million on opening weekend.
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Blue Beetlewas released on Maxlast week, and much to the surprise of fans and critics alike, the movieappears to have caught a second wind. According toWhip Media streaming charts, the DC flick landed the number one spot for streaming movies among U.S. consumers. On its way to the top of the charts,Blue Beetleknocked Netflix’sThe Killerout of first place. Peacock’sFive Nights a Freddy’sfell to third. DC fans have also pointed out thatBlue Beetlenearly knocked off Sony’sSpider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, although the Spider-Man sequel is currently hanging on tight at number nine.
The discourse aroundBlue Beetle’s failure may shift now that it’s a streaming success. While some have attributed the film’s flop to the zeitgeist’s comic-book fatigue, and the studios blamed a hurricane, other speculation was centered around the central character and lead actor. The Blue Beetle/Jamie Reyes character is not one of DC’s more popular or well-known heroes. In addition, young actor Maridueña is at the start of his career and may also lack the necessary box office appeal. While it’s been difficult for films likeBlue Beetleto compete against box officehits like Robert Pattinson’sThe Batman,there may be a place for lesser-known heroes and actors on the TV screens of home audiences.
Although aBlue Beetle 2has yet to be confirmed, there are rumors regarding a sequel. New DC overlord James Gunn previously said he considers Maridueña’s Blue Beetle to be the first DCU character. Maridueña also stated that Gunn has already told himBlue Beetle will return to the DCU, but a second film was not included in Gunn’s DCU slate.Blue Beetledirector Ángel Manuel Soto has admitted he’s thought about a sequel but conceded that the film’s box office performance is an important deciding factor.
Based on box office performance alone, a sequel starring the Biotech Scarab seems unlikely, and the character may be relegated to a supporting role. However, due to its newfound streaming success, Soto’s film has gotten a second chance to connect with audiences. If the charts are any indication, a futureBeetleprojectmay work as a streaming-only series. For now, though, DC fans have already voiced excitement aboutBlue Beetle’smuch-needed DCU win.
