‘Blue Beetle’: The Demise of [SPOILER] Was Never Part of the First Draft

Editor’s note: Spoilers for Blue Beetle lie ahead. Read with caution.

THE OVERVIEW
A dramatic twist involving a death was implemented into Blue Beetle at the insistence of DC Studios, leading to the unexpected passing of Jaime’s father. This was introduced to deepen the emotional engagement with the plot, and also to explore themes of mortality and spirituality within Latin American culture.
The decision to have Jaime’s father meet his end allows the film to expand its universe, introducing the concept of a profound loss transforming into a newfound strength for the reluctant protagonist.
Though Jaime’s father may be gone, the potential for the character of Alberto to reappear in flashbacks or through a near-death experience in a future sequel remains on the table.

It’s a well-known fact among screenwriters that one of the best ways to raise the stakes in a story is to make it personal. A hero might rush to save people trapped in a burning building, but what if one of the trapped individuals were their grandparent? This line of thinking led DC Studios to approach Blue Beetle’s director Ángel Manuel Soto, persuading him to increase the emotional weight of the original script.

Soto, in a conversation with our Editor-in-Chief Steve Weintraub, revealed that he and screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer had originally planned to avoid any deaths in the film. It was DC Studios, however, that strongly advocated for an impactful death in the storyline. To even contemplate the killing of Alberto Reyes, played by Damián Alcázar, Soto had to engage in serious discussions with Dunnet-Alcocer, addressing essential queries such as:

“What’s the method to deliver the most devastating blow through a family loss? And how could this loss be more than just another casualty in the superhero world, but instead, become a catalyst for power? Ultimately, what would it take to nudge our hesitant hero to fulfill his fate?” As they pondered these questions, they realized that this could be a chance to integrate magic realism into a scene where Jaime’s life is in peril.

Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
Jaime’s Father’s Death Broadens the ‘Blue Beetle’ Universe

Soto emphasizes that the decision to kill off Jaime’s father also provided an opportunity to delve into the Latin American cultural perspectives on death and spirituality. In a poignant scene where Jaime learns of his father’s passing, the two engage in a surreal conversation in what might be described as a “liminal space between heaven and Earth.” This space represents “a familiar place that begins to crumble.” They also discuss embracing the unknown and honoring a life’s achievements. As the filmmakers explored these themes, it became clear that “the father must depart.”

The demise of Jaime’s father doesn’t close the door to seeing Alberto in a potential Blue Beetle sequel. The compelling character could make a comeback in flashbacks or through Jaime’s near-death experiences – a concept not unfamiliar in the world of superheroes.

Blue Beetle is currently showing in cinemas. For additional insights from Manuel Soto, check out our interview below.

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More about fokus keyword ‘Blue Beetle’

• Blue Beetle Official Trailer
• Interview with Director Ángel Manuel Soto
• Overview of Latin American Culture and Spirituality
• DC Studios’ Upcoming Projects