Yes, Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle is part of the DCU. Sources tell Nexus Point News that Maridueña is set to reprise his role as Jaime Reyes in James Gunn’s Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow.
DC Studios had no comment.
Maridueña made his debut as Jaime Reyes in 2023’s Blue Beetle, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto. Though the film was produced under the previous regime, Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran confirmed shortly after taking over that the character would carry forward into the DCU, with Maridueña continuing in the role. Since then, the question of when and where Jaime Reyes would resurface has lingered over the DCU slate. Man of Tomorrow is now the answer.
Maridueña joins an ensemble that includes David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Lars Eidinger as Brainiac, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Adria Arjona in a mystery role, Lanterns star Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Gunn writes and directs, with Safran producing alongside him. The film is currently in production.
Jaime Reyes was created by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner, debuting in Infinite Crisis #3 in 2006 as the third character to carry the Blue Beetle mantle, following Dan Garrett and Ted Kord. Bonded to an alien scarab of Reach origin, Jaime is granted a sentient suit of armor capable of manifesting weapons, flight, and energy blasts. The character quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of DC’s teen hero lineup, appearing in books like Teen Titans and Young Justiceand across DC animation. Maridueña’s casting continues the DCU’s growing roster of Justice League-adjacent heroes established in Superman and expanded through Peacemaker Season 2, Supergirl, and the upcoming Lanterns.
Man of Tomorrow is a direct sequel to Superman, which grossed $618.7 million globally last year as the first feature film of the newly launched DCU. Supergirl, the studio’s sophomore feature, struggled to make the same impact at the box office. Up next is DC Studios’ first foray into horror with Clayface, dated for October 23 of this year, followed by Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part II, set for October 1, 2027.
Maridueña, also known for his starring role in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, is repped by UTA, Valor Entertainment, and Hansen Jacobson.
DC Studios’ Man of Tomorrow is set to be released by Warner Bros. on July 9, 2027.
