Director Teases Major DCU Plans for Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle isn't done. The movie launched Jaime Reyes just before the DCU reboot truly kicked in, and now the people involved are making some noise about where he could pop up next.

So... is Blue Beetle in the DCU or not?

Yes, the character is part of the new DCU. The 2023 Blue Beetle movie isn't counted as canon in James Gunn's fresh continuity, but Jaime himself is in the mix going forward. Gunn has said as much more than once, and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran hasn't shut the door on the character returning.

The director's update: the door is open

Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Soto says the story isn't over and he's been talking with the DC brass about what comes next. He's spoken with Peter Safran and producer John Rickard, and made it clear Gunn is a big fan of Jaime Reyes.

"I don't think that chapter has been closed."

Soto wants to keep going with Xolo Maridueña and the Reyes family, and he isn't subtle about it:

"I would love to continue Blue Beetle 2, Blue Beetle 3, work with Xolo and the whole Reyes family."

He also teased that animation is a real possibility for the next stretch of Reyes family adventures:

"We have had conversations of how we can expand the adventures of the Reyes family via animation."

That isn't a greenlight, but it's movement. Soto loves animation as a medium and sounds ready to roll if the studio says go.

The animated series rumor that won't die

An animated Blue Beetle show has been floating around since 2024, pitched as a way to bridge into a full-on DCU movie down the line. It went quiet for a while, but the most recent pulse came from Xolo Maridueña himself, who said the show could land in 2026. Again, not official, but it's a target worth clocking.

Where things stand right now

• Jaime Reyes exists in the DCU going forward, even though the 2023 film isn't part of the new canon.
• Director Angel Manuel Soto has had friendly talks with Peter Safran and producer John Rickard about continuing the character.
• Animation is on the table as the next step for the Reyes family, with broader film plans still in discussion.
• Soto wants direct sequels with Xolo Maridueña; Gunn is a strong supporter of the character.
• A rumored animated series has been in play since 2024; Maridueña has floated 2026 as a possible debut.

Bottom line: Jaime's future looks promising. No dates or formats locked yet, but between the director pushing, the studio heads on board, and an animated path in active discussion, Blue Beetle's next flight feels more like 'when' than 'if.'