It’s a new day and with it arrives a new conundrum that co-CEO James Gunn currently faces with his revamped DC Studios. In the face of the labor dispute that has the film and entertainment industry breaking sweat, Xolo Maridueña, the actor who will be introducing the first DCU character in the upcoming Blue Beetle, has picked sides, and well, it’s certainly not good news for the studio.
Blue Beetle‘s Leading Man Won’t Promote His Movie
The writers’ strike that commenced earlier in May, resulting from AMPTP’s tensions with the WGA, has been acting as a catalyst for numerous production delays and other such hindrances. Now, in the wake of the SAG-AFTRA conflict that has unfolded, Hollywood actors are slowly but steadily joining the writers on picket lines, pushing the industry toward rock bottom, and Xolo Maridueña is one of them.
The Cobra Kai star, who depicts the eponymous protagonist in Angel Manuel Soto’s Blue Beetle, the first character being instituted in the DC Universe, has made it amply clear that his loyalties lie with the actors and screenwriters retaliating against unjust working conditions. That requires the 22-year-old actor to not promote his own film, a price that he’s willing to pay for the proverbial greater good.
“People who are asking for the right to live and work and thrive in the business should be allowed to, and should be able to. And because of that reason, I won’t be able to promote [Blue Beetle] throughout the duration of this press junket. We had so much great stuff aligned, and I really wish that we could get it to you guys, but we need to stay on the right side of history.”
How James Gunn is going to turn this situation around in the studio’s favor, no one knows, but Maridueña’s take on the ongoing strike has certainly made room for some divisive reactions.
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Once Again, Fans Find Themselves Divided
While Gunn’s Superman: Legacy will be the very first film to kickstart the DCU, Maridueña’s Blue Beetle is the first superhero to enter what will mark the dawn of a fresh start for the studio. With the film only a month or so away from its premiere, it’s concerning, to say the least, to have the leading star back out of promoting it at such a crucial time.
Nevertheless, the Parenthood star’s decision seems to have stirred mixed reactions at large from fans. While some are contented with the efforts he’s putting in to support the writers and actors fighting for change, others appear to be more chagrined than pleased as they voice their displeasure about actors demanding more money.
In any case, this can’t be all too good for the company. In what has been months of incessant turmoil after Gunn and Peter Safran took over the superhero franchise, there’s only been palpable panic and barely any significant victories to look forward to. Especially now, with The Flash‘s egregious debacle, things have reached an all-time low for the studio, and the ripple effect of Maridueña’s decision is likely to stew tensions even more. Hopefully enough for Gunn, though, it won’t.
Blue Beetle will hit cinemas on August 18, 2023.
Source: Xolo Maridueña | Instagram
