The following contains spoilers for Blue Beetle, in theaters now.
The new Blue Beetle movie has been a big hit with audiences and critics, putting the movie in something of a conundrum. It’s meant to be the penultimate entry in the now ending DC Extended Universe, though it’s far more well-received than many parts of the shared universe. Thus, DC Studios head James Gunn has stated that it will be grandfathered into the new DC Universe continuity.
As in the comics, however, the issue of soft reboots is that only things are kept. If Blue Beetle truly will be a factor going forward, there are certain elements of the movie that need to remain canon. This way, newcomers and those who’ve watched the current movie will both be able to enjoy Jaime Reyes’ upcoming adventures.
10 The Reyes Family Dynamic
A big part of why Blue Beetle is so beloved by many is the movie’s wholesome family dynamic. Jaime Reyes has a close relationship with his parents, sister, grandmother and his kooky Uncle Rudy. This made his adventure feel grounded and have a sense of stakes, as the people most important to him were involved.
These characters definitely need to make the DCU jump with Jaime to give his next adventure weight. Their relationship makes it clear that Jaime is just a normal young man and not some rich philanthropist. This sets him apart from many superheroes, and keeping this element intact will continue to make Jaime unique.
9 The Death of Alberto Reyes
As Blue Beetle enters its third act, Jaime’s father Alberto Reyes tragically dies of a heart attack. This sends the family reeling, and it leads into Jaime’s “dark night of the soul” where he bonds closer with the Scarab. It’s a painfully saddening scene, but it’s necessary for Jaime’s development.
This element should stick around in Jaime’s life to signify his transition into adulthood while being his “Uncle Ben” moment. That way, Blue Beetle always has a sense of tragedy about him and doesn’t forget his father’s message. It’s also another thing that enhances his relatable status.
8 Jaime Reyes’ Age/Graduation
Jaime is a good bit older in the movie than he’s usually portrayed in the comics. There, he’s in high school or about to graduate, whereas the one in the movie has just graduated from college. It was a massive change, but it does wonders in terms of making him more than just another young hero.
Doing away with this in the DCU would regress Jaime’s development and come off as strange due to actor Xolo Maridueña’s actual age. Keeping him as a recent college graduate lets him fill the young hero void without leaning in on tired childish jokes or pandering antics, as seen in the two Shazam! movies.
7 The Scarab Must Remain an Alien Weapon
The Scarab Khaji-Da was originally believed to be magical in the Golden Age of Comics when the Dan Garrett Blue Beetle used it. This was revealed to not be the case, with Khaji-Da actually created by the alien Reach. DC Rebirth tried to undo this retcon, but the alien origin has remained the most popular take.
Having an alien device on his back allows Jaime to be both a local superhero and one with cosmic ties. Potentially retconning the Scarab as being magical ties him to another web of characters and mythos that are largely unrelated. Plus, the scientific aspect of an alien device meshes well with Ted Kord’s intellect, even if he could never get it to work.
6 The Legacy of the Blue Beetle Mantle
Blue Beetle established that Jaime is only the third hero to use the name. Like in the comics, he’s preceded by Dan Garrett and Ted Kord. While the other two aren’t seen in action, this legacy needs to be a part of the DCU.
Dan Garrett could easily be shown interacting with the Justice Society. Conversely, Ted Kord’s actions might be expanded upon and made more notable. This would fit James Gunn’s idea of having the DCU already “lived in” and established during Superman: Legacy.
5 Romance With Jenny Kord
Ted Kord’s daughter Jenny Kord and his sister Victoria Kord were created for the movie, but the latter has already been introduced in the comics. Jenny is a firm ally of Jaime in the movie, being both his love interest and link to Ted Kord’s legacy. Thus, it’d be a shame if the character never showed up again.
Jaime and Jenny continuing their relationship could result in hilarious hijinks once Ted comes back and reunites with his daughter. Conversely, Jenny taking over Kord Industries offers the chance for the company to redeem its controversial legacy under Victoria’s control.
4 The Scarab’s Effect on Human History
The intro of Blue Beetle shows the Scarab being present during different points in human history. This led to Dan Garrett’s archeological expedition where he found the object. Sadly, this plot point isn’t developed very far, especially considering the Scarab’s alien nature.
A Blue Beetle DCU sequel can build upon this by showing the full history of the Scarab. This could connect it to the Shazam mythos as in the comics, as well as Hawkman if the reincarnating version of Carter Hall is reused. These plot points would both bolster the mythology and connect Jaime to the broader DC Universe.
3 Blue Beetle’s Local Hero Status
Uncle Rudy talks about how the Ted Kord Blue Beetle was something of a local legend around their home in Palmera City. The end of the movie suggests that Jaime now has the same status. This was similar to how he was in El Paso in the comics, and this role helps to make him stand out.
Other heroes are known for their cities and vice versa, and defining Palmera City via the new Blue Beetle goes further to make Jaime a recognizable hero with a developed mythos. It also showcases how he looks out for the little guy, dealing with threats the Justice League might not handle. This can be established in the DCU with a simple “about that local bug guy in Palmera City.”
2 Victoria Kord’s Death
Susan Sarandon’s Victoria Kord is the main villain of Blue Beetle, and anyone who gets in her way is mistreated or eliminated. She gets her comeuppance in the movie’s end, with her enforcer Conrad Carapax turning against her. A good way to establish continuity in Blue Beetle’s “next” DCU appearance would be to establish that Victoria is indeed death.
Having Jenny Kord be in control of Kord Industries and even comment on her aunt’s death assures audiences that the 2023 movie is still canon. Likewise, it would prevent Victoria from being introduced in a future DCU film and repeating the new movie’s plot. This paves the way for Blue Beetle foes from the comics to appear.
1 Blue Beetle’s Post-Credits Scene
The movie’s post-credits scene establishes that Ted Kord is still alive. This offers all kinds of opportunities, namely his coming back as a second Blue Beetle and aiding Jaime as a mentor. Likewise, there’s his friendship with Booster Gold, which presents potential adventures completely removed from Jaime’s.
There’s an upcoming Booster Gold DCU project, and this is the perfect place to present his comical partnership with Blue Beetle. It might also explain why Kord suddenly disappeared, as it likely relates to he and Booster traveling through time. Most importantly, it would be a way to showcase how there were other Blue Beetles, making the DC Universe a larger, more fully-fleshed out place.