Angel Manuel Soto’s Blue Beetle starring Xolo Maridueña is the newest hot topic of discussion for fans of the superhero universe. DC Universe’s latest release focuses on the story of Jaime Reyes coming across an ancient relic known as the Scarab and becoming the ‘Blue Beetle.’ Somehow, DC boss James Gunn has found himself under fire, yet again.

James Gunn

Ever since James Gunn took over the role of the co-CEO along with Peter Safran, he has been facing a ton of scrutiny from fans who keep blaming him for one thing or the other. The most recent allegation made against him is that he scrapped an iconic actor’s cameo from Blue Beetle. However, James Gunn was quick to set the facts straight.

James Gunn Responds to Blue Beetle Rumors

Ben Affleck as Batman

Fans of the superhero universe have a soft spot for the three O.G. DCU actors – Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, and Ben Affleck. Affleck even almost had his own solo film in the universe until it didn’t quite work out. Regardless, Affleck recently reprised his role as Batman in The Flash. However, a rumor stated that this was not supposed to be the last DCU film on his roster.

According to a user on X aka Twitter, Affleck initially had a comedic voice cameo in Angel Manuel Soto’s Blue Beetle, something which was canceled by James Gunn. Well, if you know Gunn, you know he does not tolerate fake news making rounds on the Internet. The filmmaker soon replied to the user, ‘sylabdul’ stating that he had never even heard of any such thing.

I've never heard of a Ben Affleck voice cameo in Beetle, nor has Peter, much less cut one.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 18, 2023

Gunn continued, “I never heard of one because one never existed,” adding that he actually went out of his way to ask the producers. This does make you wonder how much false information is out there on social media platforms. Gunn can’t possibly fact-check them all!

What’s the Verdict for Blue Beetle?

Xolo Maridueña in and as Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle’s early reviews had it flaunting a Rotten Tomatoes score of a whopping 86%. However, after its official release, the score has come down to 78%, which is not bad at all since it is still “Certified Fresh.” According to the critical consensus, “Blue Beetle is a refreshingly family-focused superhero movie with plenty of humor and heart.” Lead actor Xolo Maridueña is also being praised for his “magnetic performance.”

Blue Beetle is being considered the cure for the recent superhero fatigue thanks to its refreshing take on the lives of superheroes. Fans are even calling it one of the best DCU films of all time.

In terms of box office, the film made $3.3 million in Thursday previews at the domestic box office. As we advance, Blue Beetle is expected to make somewhere between $25 million – $32 million. If this happens, the film will officially dethrone Barbie who is predicted to make around $17 million to $20 million this week.

Blue Beetle is currently running in theatres.