Jaime’s time is finally here, and he is not alone, as DC’s first Latino superhero is joined by a colorful cast of family members who are with him in every step of the journey. The highly anticipated film comes at a much-needed time for DC as the studio is still reeling from a disappointing 2023 so far after the disappointing box office returns ofShazam! Fury of the GodsandThe Flash.Blue Beetlecomes as a breath of fresh air with no connection to any broader cinematic universe and a genuinely stand-alone film that focuses on Jaime’s story and the struggles of those around him. The film is also a major breakthrough moment in Hollywood, as the first comic book movie with a predominantly Latino cast and talent behind the camera. The DC filmhas been well received by criticsand has been praised for its fresh storytelling, strong representation of Latin American culture, and standout performances from the cast members.
DirectorAngel Manuel Soto’s film is a coming-of-age story for our hero Jaime Reyes and an exploration of his Mexican roots, his bond with his loving and close-knit family, and the power that the scarab unlocks within him, which he has to come to terms with. James Gunn has also confirmed that this version ofBlue Beetle will be part of the DCU going forward, so the film’s developments and characters are expected to carry on their story. Here is a guide to all actors and characters they play in the movie.
Blue Beetle
An alien scarab chooses Jaime Reyes to be its symbiotic host, bestowing the recent college graduate with a suit of armor that’s capable of extraordinary powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero known as Blue Beetle.
Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle is one earliest superheroes to appear in the DC Comics library, as the character first debuted in Mystery Men Comics #1 way back in 1939. Over the years, there have been three different versions of Blue Beetle in the comics - Dan Garrett, the first Blue Beetle, was an archaeologist who fought crime with the power of a blue scarab he found in Egypt, and was the mentor of the second Blue Beetle, Ted Kord, who was a genius inventor and martial artist, who made his own gadgets to continue the legacy. The third Blue Beetle is Jaime Reyes, who just so happens to be the focus of this very film.
Jaime is a recent college graduate living with his family in Palmera City, who’s looking for a job, and his search brings him to Kord Industries where he gets introduced to the sentient scarab, that chooses to attach with him and makes him the Blue Beetle.
Xolo Maridueñawas cast to play Blue Beetle back in 2021, the night before he made an appearance at the Red Carpet premiere of James Gunn’sThe Suicide Squad. TheCobra Kaistar had a lot riding on his shoulders, as the first Latino actor to lead a superhero film, but with his undeniable charm and earnest performance, Maridueña has received unanimous praise for his lovable portrayal of Jaime, and we can’t wait to seewhere he pops up next in the DC universe.
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Becky G as Khaji-Da
Khaji-Da is the voice of the scarab, an alien entity, and artificial intelligence created by the intergalactic conquering aliens, Reach, that attaches itself to Jaime Reyes and gives him the power of the Blue Beetle. Khaji-Da is the Venom to Jaime’s Eddie Brock, and fights him over control of his body, but also gives him the ability to conjure any weapon he can imagine.
Singer-songwriterBecky Gvoices Khaji-Dain the film and brings a lot more personality to the character than just another AI interface. Although known primarily for her music, namely her full-length albums ‘Mala Santa’ and ‘Esquemas’, Becky G also has some major acting credentials to her name, including playing the Yellow Ranger in the 2017Power Rangersfilm.
Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord
Brazilian starBruna Marquezineplays Jenny Kord, daughter of the former Blue Beetle and founder of Kord Industries, Ted Kord. Bruna Marquezine started as a child actress who appeared in several children’s TV shows and telenovelas over the years includingMulheres Apaixonadas,América,andEm Familia, and is a popular face in Brazil along with being a well-known supermodel and regular attendee at fashion shows like New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.
Jenny Kord is an original character, created for the movie, and is the love interest of Jaime. Jenny is responsible for turning Jaime into the Blue Beetle and helps him understand the origins of his new powers, and also sides with the Reyes family to help them take down the villains with the help of her dad’s technology.
Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord
Victoria Kord is another original character created for the movie and is the older sister of Ted Kord, who takes over Kord Industries as the CEO when her brother goes missing. Victoria seeks the power of the scarab to gain control over the world as a deadly weapon manufacturer, but when the scarab gets out of her hand and falls into the lap of Jaime, she’ll not stop at anything before she gets the scarab back.
Academy Award-winnerSusan Sarandonplays Victoria Kord, the primary antagonist in the film, and brings necessary gravitas to the film with her experience, as the five-time Oscar-nominated actress, for the filmsDead Man Walking,The Client,Lorenzo’s Oil,Thelma and Louise, andAtlantic City, plays her first comic-book movie role. Before Sarandon was cast in the role,Academy Award-nomineeSharon Stonewas in talks to play the villainess.
George Lopez as Uncle Rudy
Comedian and actorGeorge Lopezplays Rudy Reyes in the film, Jaime’s animated and enigmatic uncle. Lopez is best known for his ABC specialThe George Lopez Showand his various stand-up specials where the comedian talks about his Latin American culture. He has also appeared in several films and TV shows over the years, includingThe Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-DandReal Women Have Curves.
Uncle Rudy is an unpredictable tech genius with his own troubles with the law, conspiracy theories, and strong opinions on everything. He helps Jaime with his makeshift tech and his knowledge about Ted Kord and his gadgets, but he steals the show as the comic relief with his smart and quippy one-liners delivered to perfection by George Lopez.
Belissa Escobedo as Milagro Reyes
Milagro is Jaime’s younger sister, who is with her brother every step of the way. Milagro believes in her brother and works with him at the Kord’s villa to protect their family home from being taken away. Played by the rising young actressBelissa Escobedo, with previous credentials that includeHocus Pocus 2,American Horror Story, andThe Baker and the Beauty, Milagro is smart, sassy, opinionated, and isn’t afraid to call people out on their prejudices.
Victoria Kord might be the primary antagonist ofBlue Beetle, but she needs someone to challenge Blue Beetle physically and provide obstacles for him that require action scenes to resolve. Carapax is a classic Blue Beetle villain from the comics often called The Indestructible Man, and in the film acts as Victoria Kord’s enforcer who Jaime goes up against in the third act.
Raoul Max Trujilloplays Carapax with a lot of care and heart, and is perhaps best known for playing Zero Wolf, the ruthless Mayan slave catcher inApocalypto, and has appeared in several movies and TV shows likeSicario,Riddick, andBanshee.
Adriana Barraza as Nana
There is nothing more iconic than a Mexican grandma, and Jaime’s Nana certainly lives up to that. Nana is the sweetest and the most lovable, but also the most cunning and savage when she needs to be, and she always has Jaime’s back. Nana even gets to be a part of the action, with experience from her rebel past and shoots a machine gun as seen in the trailer.
Adriana Barrazabrings the crowd-favorite Nana to life in the film, and the celebrated veteran Mexican actress has appeared in several films over the years, particularly well-known for her roles inAlejandro González Iñárittu’sBabelandAmores Perros.
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Elpidia Carrillo as Rocio Reyes
Prolific Mexican actressElpidia Carrilloplays Jaime’s mother, Rocio Reyes, in the film. Jaime’s mom is protective and always worried about her son like every Mexican mom, and that only gets stronger when your son is attached to a killing machine. Elpidia has starred in several well-known movies in her long career, fromSalvadortoPredator 2, and was most recently seen as Sonia Perez in the acclaimed teen dramaEuphoria
Damián Alcázar as Roberto Reyes
Damián Alcázarplays Jaime’s father in Blue Beetle. Plagued by recent a heart attack, Roberto Reyes loses out on work, which puts their house in jeopardy and sends Jaime into anxiety. Jaime’s dad is also part of a crucial scene inBlue Beetle, which is a reference to the famous candle scene in the classic Mexican filmMacario, which is sure to tug at your heartstrings. Alcázar has starred in various roles over the years, includingThe Chronicles of Narnia: Prince CaspianandHerod’s Law.
Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez
Rounding out the cast isHarvey Guillénas Dr. Sanchez, who works for Victoria Kord despite where his heart lies. Harvey Guillén, best known for his role inWhat We Do in the Shadows, brings a sweet likability to this role, just as he did with Perrito inPush in Boots: The Last Wish. Guillén also voices Nightwing in theHarley Quinnanimated series currently airing on Max.
