‘Blue Beetle’ Animated Series Eyes 2026 Release As Xolo Maridueña Teases His Future In The DC Universe

Blue Beetle is BACK, baby!

Xolo Maridueña Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes DC Universe Graduation Day Animated Series

Blue Beetle isn’t dead yet! Xolo Maridueña gives fans an update on the upcoming DC Universe animated series, revealing it may release in 2026.

Blue Beetle was a diamond in the rough during the dying days of the last DC Universe. Even though the film didn’t do the best at the box office, fans generally enjoyed the family flick, and connected with Xolo Maridueña’s performance as Jaime Reyes. It seems this cult-favorite status found its way to James Gunn, who decided that Maridueña would be one of the few actors to remain in his role following the DC Universe reboot, joining the ranks of legends like Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller and John Cena’s Peacemaker.

Sadly, a Blue Beetle sequel was absent from James Gunn’s chapter one slate for the new DC Universe. This left many fans worried that the financial struggles of the film would lead to Xolo Maridueña only making cameos in projects without having one to call his own. This was until the announcement of a Blue Beetle animated series, which eyed to bring the character into the reboot on the small screen. While there hasn’t been much news on the project since its announcement, Maridueña recently revealed his hopes for the project to see the light of day in 2026.

“I’m ready to come back,” Maridueña told The Direct during a recent appearance at the Saturn Awards. “We’re hitting hard this animated project, hoping to get this settled out this year to show everyone next year.”

When Will Xolo Maridueña Return As Blue Beetle?

This news is enough to keep most Blue Beetle fans riding high for months, especially following Xolo Maridueña’s previous comments about the project being inspired by anime. However, others might be a tad disappointed to see the beloved character return in an animated series instead of a theatrical sequel. While Maridueña chose his words carefully, he did tease that he’s currently working with James Gunn to bring a proper sequel to life in the new DC Universe.

“Look, he’s got his hands 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. And look, I have no reason to believe that he’s lying. Like, whatever, we’re adults, say whatever you want to say! [laughs] I’m just happy to have done this first one and I’ll continue to spread the word about that while we get the second one drafted up.”

Given James Gunn has already been juggling three projects for the DC Universe (with a fourth already in development), it’s not shocking that finding a way to bring Blue Beetle into the reboot hasn’t been his first priority. However, given how much the character means to fans across the world, giving the character a second chance at life with an animated series may be the best anyone can hope for right now. Though if Xolo Maridueña’s hype is to be believed, the future of Blue Beetle is looking bright!

Blue Beetle is now streaming on Max. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the Blue Beetle animated series and the future of the DC Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!

Anthony Singletary

Anthony Singletary

Anthony has always had a love for stories. An aspiring screenwriter and video editor, he takes pride in connecting fans with the latest heroic news!