Director Angel Manuel Soto discusses how actress Adriana Barraza brought that special flavor to Jaime Reyes' badass abuela.
It’s part of a larger storyline that solidifies Nana as the surprise standout ofBlue Beetle.
Director Angel Manuel Soto is already hearing fans' pleas for more Nana in future DCU projects.
‘Blue Beetle’ director Angel Manuel Soto demonstrates Nana’s big scene to actress Adriana Barraza.Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Like, ‘We need a Nana story spin-off!'"
Soto tells EW, a couple of days before the movie’s theatrical premiere.
“People are asking for it, let’s give it to them.
(L to R) Elpidia Carrillo, George Lopez, Xolo Maridueña, Belissa Escobedo, and Damían Alcázar in ‘Blue Beetle’.Warner Bros. Pictures
We need more Nana.”
“They don’t need superpowers.
Whatever they’ve done to get us to this place is a heroic act within itself.”
What are you so afraid of?’
Boy, those are the ones you have to bemostafraid of," Soto says, chuckling.
Escobedo (Hocus Pocus 2) performed one of the earliest chemistry reads forBlue Beetle.
Alcazar (Narcos) became another early addition.
“Adriana was one of those actresses where it was non-negotiable for me,” Soto recalls.
“I really needed her.
She’s been in it for a long time.
She’s an amazing, beloved acting teacher, too.”
So, he had them speak with each other and share stories.
Particularly for Mariduena and Escobedo, he wanted the young stars to learn from their actor elders.
That respect translated to love in the film."
Blue Beetleflies into theaters this weekend.
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