James Gunn has confirmed that Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle will integrate smoothly into the revamped DC Universe (DCU) under his direction, requiring only minor adjustments. While Peacemaker is often highlighted as a character transitioning from the previous DCEU to the new DC Studios continuity, Gunn assures that Blue Beetle is similarly well-suited to the updated universe.
In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, Gunn compared Blue Beetle’s transition to that of Peacemaker, explaining that Peacemaker needed very few changes, apart from a couple of small retcons concerning the events of its first season. Likewise, Blue Beetle is described as nearly “plug-and-play,” though there may be some minor retconning necessary to fully align the character with the broader DCU timeline and continuity.
The Flexibility of Peacemaker and Blue Beetle Within the New DCU Framework
Gunn discussed how Peacemaker was initially positioned in an ambiguous space between the old DCEU movies and the new DCU, which allowed the series creative freedom. According to Gunn, the lack of a tightly overseen shared universe at the time meant the show could take risks and explore stories independently.
Peacemaker was always in a weird place. People say he’s a part of the DCEU, but he wasn’t really. He was a part of this in-between universe of DC when there was nobody really making sure everything was connected, and at a time when they were going to rewrite everything with The Flash,
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head
We were kind of able to do whatever we wanted. We had that brash ending which I loved. It was one of my favorite things in the whole season, but it just didn’t fit in with the DCU.
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head
He further emphasized how effortless it was to bring Peacemaker into the new continuity and that Blue Beetle fits just as well with only some retconning required.
And Peacemaker almost – there’s hardly anything you need to change for him to slide very easily into the DCU,
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head
Same with Blue Beetle. They just kind of fit in very nicely, but maybe we have to retcon a couple of things. But this is the big one.
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head
Blue Beetle’s Unique Place in the DC Universe and Its Future Prospects
The Blue Beetle film, though not a blockbuster success, gained praise for its practical effects, humor, family themes, and energetic action sequences, making it one of the stronger DC films before James Gunn took over. Fans and critics alike viewed it as a high-quality entry that complemented the superhero roster well.
Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle fits naturally within Gunn’s vision of the DCU, which draws inspiration from the Justice League International era. This era featured Ted Kord, the previous Blue Beetle, as a prominent hero, linking Reyes’ story to a wider superhero tradition.
Xolo Maridueña, who played Blue Beetle, has hinted at potential sequel plans and remains involved with the character by providing voice work for an upcoming animated series, though details remain scarce. This suggests a continued investment in the character’s development within the DC franchise.
What the Integration Means for the DC Universe Going Forward
The integration of Blue Beetle with few changes signals how James Gunn’s DCU aims for a cohesive yet flexible narrative that respects previous projects while building a unified storyline. Gunn’s approach suggests that characters like Blue Beetle and Peacemaker are important pillars in this new era, allowing fans to follow familiar faces alongside fresh stories.
As the new DCU unfolds, keeping track of how these characters evolve will provide insights into Gunn’s broader plans for the universe’s future, including upcoming movies and series that continue to expand the superhero world he is shaping.
