Exploring the Love and Legacy of “Blue Beetle”: Director Ángel Manuel Soto Opens Up

Exploring Latino Culture in DC’s “Blue Beetle” with Director Ángel Manuel Soto

A Celebration of Latino Heritage

Director Ángel Manuel Soto and screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer have seamlessly infused Latino culture into DC’s “Blue Beetle,” making it a celebration of heritage and representation. The film features Mexican references and elements of other Latin American cultures, reflecting the backgrounds and experiences of the filmmakers. Soto, a Puerto Rican director, explains that the Latino influences in the film were not forced or contrived, but rather a genuine expression of their collective experiences.

“We never were like, ‘Okay, so how are we going to make this Latino?’ We cannot hide who we are. If we have the opportunity to tell our collective experiences because we are Latino, they’re going to come out Latino,” says Soto.

The story follows Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña, as he becomes the first Latino superhero in the DC universe. Reyes discovers an ancient scarab named Khaji Da, which grants him superpowers. Through Reyes’ journey, the film explores themes of identity, family, and coming-of-age.

A Cultural Journey

Soto has taken on the task of promoting the film single-handedly, due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes. However, he made sure to bring the cast along for the ride through culturally relevant gestures. During the press tour in Los Angeles, Soto donned a white shirt with illustrations of the lead cast as Mexican Loteria characters, a popular game akin to bingo in Mexican and Mexican-American households. This gesture not only symbolized the film’s connection to Mexican culture but also represented the presence of the cast in spirit.

While the Hollywood strikes have limited traditional promotional opportunities, Soto remains hopeful that audiences will support the film when it releases. He emphasizes that the movie stands on its own merit, as a well-crafted and engaging story, and encourages viewers to fall in love with the talented cast.

An Authentic Approach

In an interview with The Associated Press, Soto delves into the creative process of “Blue Beetle” and his initial hesitation to take on the project. Having initially wanted to pitch a Bane origin story, Soto experienced a mental pivot when DC presented him with the opportunity to helm a coming-of-age superhero film. He explains his reservations about “brownwashing” an existing character and his desire to authentically represent Latinidad without conforming to external expectations.

Soto’s concerns were alleviated when he learned that Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, the Mexican screenwriter behind the script, had written relatable characters rooted in his own experiences. Soto and Dunnet-Alcocer recognized the similarities between their countries’ cultures, from music to television shows, and realized that the film could connect with not only Mexicans but all Latinos and people from different backgrounds who approach the story with curiosity and openness.

Honoring Ancestors and Women

Soto and Dunnet-Alcocer wanted to tell the story through a different lens, incorporating elements that challenge traditional superhero tropes. They chose to emphasize the importance of family, particularly the strong women in their lives. The film’s protagonist, Jaime Reyes, relies on his family’s support and finds strength in their presence throughout his transformation into a superhero. Soto refers to “Blue Beetle” as a love letter to their ancestors and a tribute to the resilience and heroism of the women who have paved the way.

The soundtrack of the film also plays a significant role in embracing Latino culture. Rather than relying on the usual stereotypes, Soto curated a predominantly Latino soundtrack, featuring legendary artists from various Latin American countries. This decision aims to showcase the breadth and depth of musical talent that exists within Latino communities and challenge preconceived notions about their cultural output.

Editorial: The Power of Authentic Representation

“Blue Beetle,” under the direction of Ángel Manuel Soto, highlights the importance of authentic representation in the entertainment industry. By allowing the filmmakers to infuse their own experiences and cultural backgrounds into the film, “Blue Beetle” becomes more than just a superhero story. It becomes a platform for celebrating and honoring diverse heritage.

The film’s approach to representation serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to portraying a community or culture. It is essential to give space for different perspectives and voices within marginalized communities. By inviting creators from diverse backgrounds to helm projects and sharing their stories, the industry can foster a more inclusive and authentic representation of the world we live in.

Soto’s initial hesitation and subsequent discovery of a shared cultural understanding with the screenwriter illustrate the power of collaborations built on shared experiences. It is through these genuine connections that stories gain depth and resonate with audiences across cultural boundaries.

Advice for Authentic Storytelling

To create authentic and culturally resonant stories, it is crucial for storytellers to invest time in understanding the communities they seek to represent. This understanding goes beyond surface-level stereotypes and demands a deep appreciation for the intricacies and nuances of diverse cultures.

Collaboration with artists from the communities being depicted is invaluable. In the case of “Blue Beetle,” the collaboration between Soto, a Puerto Rican director, and Dunnet-Alcocer, a Mexican screenwriter, fostered an environment of shared cultural understanding, resulting in a more authentic portrayal of Latino experiences.

Storytellers should also strive to challenge existing tropes and narratives, offering fresh perspectives and subverting expectations. By doing so, they can present a more accurate depiction of diverse communities and open doors for new stories to be told.

In conclusion, “Blue Beetle” serves as a testament to the power of authentic representation in film. By embracing and celebrating Latino culture, the film not only offers an engaging superhero story but also raises awareness and instills pride in diverse audiences. It is a step forward in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive entertainment industry.