Blue Beetle is one of the lesser known DC comic superheroes that has seen a rise in popularity thanks to appearances in multiple cartoon shows and movies and even a live adaptation appearance in Smallville. But did you know that the New 52 character was slated for his own Television show at one point?
Test footage from a live-action Blue Beetle TV series has been hidden within the depth of Youtube – despite accruing approximately 129,001 views – and was posted back in 2010. Posted by user youbentmywookievids, the footage is about a minute long and laced with CGI.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElRNinNw96Q[/embedyt]
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While it’s short, the video shows that the premise for the show would revolve around Jaime (HI-ME) Reyes, the latest incarnation of the Blue Beetle. During its two seasons on cartoon network – with a third coming soon to Netflix – Reyes version of the character was a fan favorite in Young Justice and played a prominent role in the series.
Timeline wise, the trailers posted date to Youtube lines up with Young Justice’s first season, so it looks like the creators of the Blue Beetle live action show hoped to play off the success of the cartoon to bring people over to the show. Unfortunately, the show never even made it to a pilot, and all that is left is that test footage.
Which is even more of a shame considering just how bad Blue Beetle’s Smallville adaptation was, with his role being limited and his suit making him look like a power ranger villain. While it seems unlikely he will ever get another shot at his own show, take solace in the fact that season three of Young Justice is just around the corner.
It should be interesting to note also that legendary comic book artist and current president and Chief Creative Officer at DC Comics is the one who teased footage of the show back in June of 2010, so maybe Beets could show up in a movie. Don’t write off the opportunity of him making an appearance in the Flash/Arrow/Legend of Tomorrow/Supergirl verse as well, as those shows are always looking for new characters to freshen up content.
