Some of the most well-known superheroes have been on the big screen for years, but as new projects from both Marvel and DC roll out, lesser-known heroes are finally getting the spotlight. One DC hero with a project in development is the Blue Beetle. The hero whose abilities are the result of a connection to a magical scarab, gains armor and an ability to fly thanks to that connection. There have, however, been multiple heroes that took on the moniker.
The most well-known in modern comics is Ted Kord. HBO Max's upcoming project centering on the character won't be about him. Instead, it will reportedly be about Jaime Reyes, the teenager who becomes the Blue Beetle after Ted Kord in the comics. Whether that means the upcoming adaptation will follow Jaime's comic book storyline closely remains to be see. Fans are eagerly awaiting movement on the project, including casting. These actors would bring the right amount of humor and heart to the role, capable of bringing the titular hero to life.
Michael Garza As Jaime Reyes
When studios cast for big superhero projects, they tend to do one of two things: cast a big name to draw attention to the project, or cast a relatively unknown actor that can grow with the role for several years. Since the Jaime Reyes version of Blue Beetle is a teenager, it makes sense to do the latter. The actor being cast in the part doesn't have to be someone with an extensive resume.
Michael Garza only has a handful of credits to his name, including Guillermo del Toro's Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark. The few projects he has appeared in demonstrate a versatility to him. That would be an asset to Blue Beetle. He's appeared in small television roles in Timeless, Angie Tribeca, and 9-1-1. A role like Jaime Reyes would allow him to really stretch and have some fun with the character.
Brett Dalton As Ted Kord
It's entirely possible that Ted Kord won't appear in the upcoming Blue Beetle adaptation. If he does, however, it'll likely only be a passing nod to him having had a bond with the scarab before Jaime. Whether a cameo or a supporting player, Brett Dalton would certainly be great in the role.
Whereas Jaime is a teenager trying to figure out his place in the world, Ted is a charmer who tends to get himself into plenty of superhero trouble. His sense of humor often doesn't land well with his allies. Ted can also be more distracting than helpful in a fight. Dalton, who most audiences will know from his turn as Grant Ward in Marvel's flagship TV series Agents Of SHIELD, certainly has the charm and humor down. This would give him the chance to play in a different comic book universe as a hero instead of a villain.
Xolo Maridueña As Jaime Reyes
Cobra Kai, a sequel series to the original Karate Kid movies, took Netflix by storm when it premiered. It's only a matter of time before its young cast members make names for themselves outside of the series. A DCEU movie could do just that for Xolo Maridueña.
The actor has a little more experience under his belt than Garza, having previously starred in the TV series Parenthood. The mix of humor, drama, and action in his resume is the perfect blend to prepare a young actor for a superhero project.
Cheyenne Jackson As Ted Kord
A musical theater background might not seem like the right fit for a superhero, but it worked for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Cheyenne Jackson is likely the biggest name here simply because he's been in the business longer than most of these other actors. His most high-profile roles, however, are in musicals or in American Horror Story.
In fact, Jackson recently took a turn as a villain in two different young adult properties: Disney's Descendants 3 and Netflix's Julie And The Phantom. Taking a step away from the villain route to play a hero would be a fun change for him.
Danny Ramirez As Jaime Reyes
Danny Ramirez is likely the longest shot of an actor here. At 28, he's much older than Jaime Reyes' teenage years. It's unlikely he'd land the role unless the character was aged up for this particular project. Ramirez also recently made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut. His availability for a superhero project might depend on just what the MCU has in store for him.
He appeared as the charming soldier Joaquin Torres in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier. That particular character becomes a superhero in the comics, the Falcon to Sam Wilson's Captain America. It's possible Ramirez has a lengthy MCU contract on the way that fans don't know about.
With the movie still in the early stages of development, it will likely be quite a while before Blue Beetle fans get any casting news.