The future of DC Studios is becoming clearer with every new casting announcement, and one familiar superhero is officially sticking around. Xolo Maridueña is set to return as Jaime Reyes, better known as Blue Beetle, in Man of Tomorrow, the upcoming sequel to James Gunn’s Superman. The confirmation strengthens Blue Beetle’s place in the rebooted DC Universe and signals that the young hero will continue to play an important role in the franchise’s next chapter.
Although Blue Beetle arrived before the new DCU officially launched, James Gunn had previously hinted that the character would survive the studio’s creative reset. That promise has now become reality, with Maridueña preparing to suit up once again as the alien-powered superhero when Man of Tomorrow reaches theatres in 2027.
James Gunn Confirms Blue Beetle’s Return
The update was confirmed while James Gunn appeared on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, where he once again spoke about Blue Beetle’s place in the rebooted universe. Looking back at the character’s introduction, Gunn said, “The first DCU character, for sure, Blue Beetle, and the first full DCU movie is ‘Superman.'” His comments make it clear that Jaime Reyes remains a central part of the long-term plans for DC Studios.
Maridueña first portrayed Jaime Reyes in 2023’s Blue Beetle, directed by Angel Manuel Soto. The story followed a recent college graduate whose life changes after an ancient alien scarab bonds with him, granting him extraordinary powers and advanced armor. While the film earned praise for its heartfelt family dynamic and energetic action, it also made history by becoming the first standalone DC movie led by a Latino superhero.
Speaking about what the role meant to him, Maridueña previously said, “The only thing that is on my mind right now is just the fact that he’s Latino. I have so much pride in getting to be a part of this project with Angel, someone like him. I think it’s so important, and I don’t want to stand on the soapbox for too long but representation is so important.” His comments reflected the cultural significance of the character beyond the superhero genre.
From Blue Beetle to Man of Tomorrow
Maridueña also committed himself physically to becoming the superhero. Before filming Blue Beetle, the actor transformed his physique by gaining around 25 to 30 pounds of muscle through weight training, martial arts and a carefully planned diet. Speaking about the preparation, he said, “A lot of it was just eating the right amount.”
Even before the new DC Universe officially began, James Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran had confirmed that Maridueña would continue playing Jaime Reyes in future projects. Safran praised the young actor’s performance, saying, “What I was most impressed by is his ability with both the comedic and the emotional material. He has all the skills.” He also described the performance as a breakthrough moment, adding, “It’s just very evident that this is a star-making performance.”
Maridueña has never hidden his excitement about continuing as Blue Beetle. Looking ahead to future appearances, the actor said, “Regardless of if we get 20 movies or if it’s just this one, I feel truly fulfilled. If we get to do another one, I’m so ready — and shit, I’ll put on another 20 pounds and get even bigger.” With his return now confirmed, fans will finally get to see Jaime Reyes interact with other major DC heroes on the big screen.
What to Expect From Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Man of Tomorrow will once again star David Corenswet as Superman, with James Gunn returning as both writer and director. According to the official story details released so far, Superman will be forced into an uneasy alliance with his longtime enemy Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Together, they must confront Brainiac, portrayed by Lars Eidinger, whose intelligence and technology make him one of the most dangerous villains in DC Comics.
Production on the sequel is already underway, and the film is expected to further establish the foundation of the rebooted DC Universe after the success of Superman. Blue Beetle’s inclusion also suggests that Gunn intends to gradually connect younger heroes with established icons instead of rushing into large crossover events. With Superman, Blue Beetle, Lex Luthor and Brainiac all sharing the screen, Man of Tomorrow is shaping up to be one of DC Studios’ biggest releases yet ahead of its scheduled theatrical debut on July 9, 2027.
