Amid Hollywood Strikes, Warner Bros. and DC Studios Launch “Blue Beetle” with Fan Screening
Amid the ongoing Hollywood strikes, Warner Bros. and DC Studios launched “Blue Beetle” on Tuesday night in Los Angeles with a star-free “fan screening” in lieu of a splashy blue-carpet premiere.
Fanfare Outside TCL Chinese Theatre
Despite the fact that the film’s actors — including Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez and Oscar winners Adriana Barraza and Susan Sarandon — could not attend due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, there was still plenty of fanfare outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Director Ángel Manuel Soto Acknowledges Cast
Director Ángel Manuel Soto rolled solo on the carpet (as he’s done for a significant chunk of the movie’s promotional tour, due to both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA being on strike) and he was riding high off the early buzz for the DC movie. Soto delivered a speech before the special L.A. screening, in which he acknowledged the “Blue Beetle” cast for being on the picket lines.
First Latino Superhero Lead
“Blue Beetle” introduces Jaime Reyes, a recent graduate of Gotham Law who gains superpowers when an alien scarab latches onto him. Soto, best known for helming 2020’s “Charm City Kings,” directs from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer — it’s a historic endeavor for DC Studios, as Jaime is the first Latino superhero to lead a stand-alone film for the comic book banner.
Praise from Early Audiences
While reviews from critics have yet to be released, early audiences heaped praise on the film’s action sequences, as well as the story’s heart and specific touchstones to Latino culture.
Shift to Theatrical Release
Originally slated to debut on streaming alongside the now-shelved “Batigrl,” Warner Bros. elected to shift “Blue Beetle” to a theatrical release in 2022, prior to James Gunn and Peter Safran becoming co-CEOs of DC Studios.
Impact of Hollywood Strikes
“Blue Beetle” is also one of the first major tentpole releases with its promotional plans heavily impacted by the dual strike, as talent for Warner Bros.’ “Barbie,” Universal’s “Oppenheimer” and Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” were able to complete most of or all of their planned global press tours before actors joined writers on the picket lines on July 14.
Supporting Latino Artists
With actors and writers as non-factors in movie promotional plans, 27 Latino organizations united and signed an open letter calling on the community to “amplify the work that countless Latino artists have worked so hard to create” and support films like “Blue Beetle” at the box office.
