'Blue Beetle' superhero movie scarab suit on display in El Paso Aug. 14

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times
Updated ·3 min read

Latinos across the country are getting excited to see one of their own as a superhero in the upcoming movie, "Blue Beetle." The film opens Aug. 18 in major theaters.

The film is based on the DC Comics character Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle, produced by DC Studios and the Safran Company and directed by Angel Manuel Soto.

Warner Bros. is building excitement by letting fans get up close and personal with the Scarab suit worn by Xolo Maridueña during filming, according to a release.

The Blue Beetle suit will be on display at Cinemark Tinseltown Las Palmas XD, at 11855 Gateway West Blvd., from Aug. 14 to 28.

The superhero suit for Blue Beetle will be on exhibit in El Paso Aug. 14-28 at Cinemark Tinseltown Las Palmas XD, at 11855 Gateway West Blvd.
The superhero suit for Blue Beetle will be on exhibit in El Paso Aug. 14-28 at Cinemark Tinseltown Las Palmas XD, at 11855 Gateway West Blvd.

Some interesting facts about the suit:

  • Made by Mexican costume designer, Mayes C. Rubeo.

  • The suit was in development for nine months.

  • There were over 500 designs created before they locked in the final design.

  • The suit came together via a collaboration with Ironhead Studios in Los Angeles, California.

  • Every piece of the Blue Beetle suit is custom — the concept, digital designs, 3D printing, the fabrics, and physical armor pieces — everything had to be created and all built for an exact fit that allowed star Maridueña to bring the character Blue Beetle to life.

  • The fabric was designed to evoke an alien-derived pattern, with every element crafted to reflect the out-of-this-world nature of the Scarab's alien biotechnology.

Don't be surprised if you get a promotional souvenir if you go check out the blue jumpsuit.

Blue Beetle cast

Aside from Xolo Maridueña in the title role, thecast list includes:

  • Belissa Escobedo ("Hocus Pocus 2") as Milagros Reyes, Jaime's younger sister.

  • Elpidia Carrillo ("Predator")as Rocio Reyes, Jaime's mother.

  • Damían Alcázar ("Narcos") as Alberto Reyes, Jaime's father.

  • Adriana Barraza (Rambo: Last Blood) as Nana, Jaime's grandma.

  • Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord.

  • Comedian and actor George Lopez as Rudy Reyes, Jaime's uncle.

  • Raoul Max Trujillo (Sicario) as Conrad Carapax.

  • Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord.

  • Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez.

Blue Beetle is a DC Comics superhero based in El Paso, Texas.
Blue Beetle is a DC Comics superhero based in El Paso, Texas.

Blue Beetle synopsis

Jaime Reyes graduates from college, returns to his hometown, and suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. In the comics, cartoons and TV versions, Reyes is from El Paso, which is why El Pasoans might be very interested in seeing the film.

However, the trailer has shown the character as living in Palmera City with his immediate family including a little sister.

When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he's bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

The suit is derived from the Scarab, a sentient being named Khaji-da who symbiotically fuses with its host. It can create any form of weapon the host can imagine.

"Blue Beetle" stars Xolo Maridueña as a recent college grad who becomes the host of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology that gives him an armored suit and unpredictable powers.
"Blue Beetle" stars Xolo Maridueña as a recent college grad who becomes the host of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology that gives him an armored suit and unpredictable powers.

How much is the Blue Beetle popcorn bucket?

The Blue Beetle popcorn bucket container is $25 without popcorn or $30 with popcorn at Cinemark theaters in limited supply. There are other Blue Beetle items that may be available including a plush for $15, a cup for $7 and a buddy cup for $15.

What was Blue Beetle's production budget?

As stated by IMDB, the Blue Beetle movie's budget is estimated to be around $120,000,000, according to forevergeek.com

By comparison, "Guardians of the Galaxy" Vol. 3 had a budget of $250 million, and "The Flash" had $200 million.

How to hear Blue Beetle in Spanish/como oir en español

Fans who want to hear the movie in Spanish can download the app TheaterEars.

The TheaterEars app allows you to watch new release films at the movie theater in Spanish. Simply load the app, select your movie, showtime and language to get the movie track on your phone. When you arrive at the movie theater, TheaterEars will sync to the movie through your phone's microphone and then play the full movie soundtrack in your chosen language.

For millions, cine en Español, is now within reach without the barriers of language.

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What to know about 'Blue Beetle' premiere, scarab suit display, budget