In 2023, DC went through a major transformation, marking the end of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) era. James Gunn and Peter Safran, appointed co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios in late 2022, prepared to launch a fresh slate of projects that would reboot the DC Universe (DCU). While films like Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom wrapped up the DCEU, Gunn’s projects, including The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, began to lay the foundation for the new DCU. Now, Gunn has stirred excitement by hinting that Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle character might return in the upcoming second season of Peacemaker.
When speaking to IMDb about the possibility of Blue Beetle appearing in Peacemaker season 2, Gunn teased,
You know, I won’t say you’re not in luck,
—James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-chairman.
Clarifying Blue Beetle’s Place Within the New DC Universe
Although Blue Beetle was originally produced under the banner of DC Films and The Safran Company, James Gunn has stated that the movie exists independently from the old DCEU continuity. Even so, Gunn has expressed enthusiasm about integrating Jaime Reyes, the Blue Beetle’s alter ego, into the rebooted DCU timeline. He explained that the new DCU officially begins with the Creature Commandos series and continues with projects like Superman and Peacemaker.
Gunn confirmed the new continuity’s consistency:
The one thing that we can promise is that everything from Superman forward, or from our first project forward, will be canon and will be connected,
he said.
We’re using some actors from the past. We’re not using other actors from the past. But everything from that moment forward will be connected and consistent.
—James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-chairman.
This means that while the Blue Beetle film itself does not belong to the official DCU canon, Jaime Reyes as a character can be included and developed in the new DC Universe. Gunn reiterated this by stating that the hero
will be an amazing part of the DCU going forward.
—James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-chairman.
Expanding Blue Beetle’s Role Beyond Live-Action
Further cementing Blue Beetle’s presence in the new DCU, Xolo Maridueña will reprise his role as Jaime Reyes in an upcoming animated Blue Beetle series produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation. Maridueña shared details of the animated project in a recent interview, revealing,
We’re hitting hard this animated project, hoping to get this settled out this year to show everyone next year,
—Xolo Maridueña, Actor.
Regarding James Gunn’s involvement in shaping the character’s trajectory, Maridueña offered a colorful analogy, saying,
He’s got his hands [full] in his kitchen. I don’t want to walk in while the chef is doing his thing. But I can say that once they’re finished with this three-course meal, I’m ready.
—Xolo Maridueña, Actor.
Returning Cast Members Strengthen the New DC Universe
Along with Blue Beetle, several actors are reprising their roles from the DCEU within the new DCU framework. John Cena returns as Peacemaker, with Viola Davis appearing once again as Amanda Waller. Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee also reprised their parts as A.R.G.U.S. agents Emilia Harcourt and John Economos, respectively, while Sean Gunn continues his role as Weasel. These characters’ ongoing presence further bridges the gap between the previous DCEU films and the emerging DC Universe under Gunn and Safran’s leadership.
Implications for the Future of DC Storytelling
James Gunn’s hints about Blue Beetle’s involvement in Peacemaker season 2 suggest that the character will play a significant role in the evolving DCU narrative. This approach, blending familiar faces with new storytelling, allows for both legacy and fresh directions in DC‘s cinematic and televised output. As the DCU continues to expand, fans can anticipate interconnected stories that uphold continuity from the Creature Commandos series onward, offering a cohesive experience.
With the Blue Beetle animated series planned for release next year and the promising integration into Peacemaker’s second season, Jaime Reyes is poised to become a central figure in DC’s revitalized story world. As James Gunn and Peter Safran continue to build the DCU, viewers can expect surprising crossovers and character developments that blend action, drama, and complex world-building.
