Xolo Mariduena to Cast As Blue Beetle DC’s New Superhero

The 21-year-old rising actor Xolo Mariduena talks about his imminent big-screen superhero debut, the fifth season of his Netflix karate drama, and how he learned that nobody wants to work with a bully.

Xolo Mariduena was completely panicked.

The 21-year-old Cobra Kai actor was asked to lunch with DC Films boss Walter Hamada and Warners executive Galen Vaisman. Mariduena assumed the lunch was related to the fact that Blue Beetle, DC’s future superhero project, will star the first Latino actor in a leading role.

Although Mariduena and Hamada had met via Zoom, Mariduena had not yet auditioned for the job, and Hamada knew of no prior filmography for her.

Exactly why do these dudes feel the need to get together? Mariduena questioned. Can you explain what seems to be going on? It was terrifying me. Much depends on how people view me.

As they waited for a table, Hamada did his best to put Mariduena at ease. Take a look, Xolo, Mariduena claims Hamada told him. Blue Beetle’s function in this cosmos will be crucial. We merely want to verify that anybody we choose is an actual human being and not a front. There’s more to it than what meets the eye.

A Hollywood actor’s anxiety levels would likely skyrocket after hearing something like that. An actual human being? On the other hand, not a single one of us is. Thoughtful and humble in conversation, Xolo (show-low) constantly gives responses that come across as so grounded that it’s hard to imagine he’s been working in this industry performing TV advertising and shows since he was 10 years old. This is likely why Mariduena felt reassured after speaking with him.

Still, Mariduena felt her heartbeat quickening once again. The actor had a rude awakening as Hamada escorted him to a table, revealing that his lunch party was significantly larger than he had anticipated.

Many people were there, including Angel Manuel Soto (the film’s director), Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (the film’s writer), and the film’s producers. This wasn’t a casual meeting of the minds, the actor recognized; it was a heroic surprise party. Mariduena had already been cast as Blue Beetle before he had even seen a script.

According to Mariduena, “my throat started to tighten up and my eyes started to water.” That was a lot to take in.

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Here Is What more Xolo Mariduena shared about his debut as DC’s New Superhero.

In the following interview, Xolo Mariduena talks about his imminent DC superhero debut, the fifth season of Cobra Kai (premiering September 9), dealing with celebrity and social media, and what has replaced winning an Oscar as his ultimate professional goal.

Please begin with a few karate-related questions. Just how proficient are you right now?

Five, almost six years, I’ve been doing this. I’m feeling quite confident in my abilities thus far during filming. During our break, I should be practicing more, but I’d rather work on other stuff. In terms of expertise, I’d give myself a six or seven out of ten. The lowest of the low among the show’s children.

Not one of them had any genuine karate experience before this. Nonetheless, my goodness, some of the youngsters who [joined the cast] in season two or three are already so much better than me, and I started practicing way back in season one.

Could you resist the urge to test your mettle in a real competition? Or could the possibility of a viral video make it all worthwhile?

Knowing what I do now that I’ve seen Mario Lopez and Tom Hardy practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I’d rather avoid tournaments altogether. Perhaps I’ll get laid off soon, you know what I mean? If that happened, it wouldn’t be the first time.

When it comes to karate, who are the best kids on Cobra Kai, and who are the finest adults?

The ease with which the grownups can move is remarkable. It’s clear that they’ve been doing a lot of stretching, and it shows. I’ve seen most of it, so I assume he’s great at his role.

Tanner Buchanan (Robbie) is the most skilled child, both technically and in terms of technique. He’s ripped as all get out and really mobile. If you give him a couple of months to learn something, he’ll be an expert in no time. In contrast, I find that Jacob Bertrand (Hawk) learns things really quickly. The components of the karate jigsaw fall into place easily for him.

Sometimes while watching a show, you could think, “That cast must be miserable.” The cast of Cobra Kai, meanwhile, looks like they’re having a blast because the show constantly has that summer camp vibe. Do you believe that to be true?

Teenagers (aged 17–18) who get paid to fight for hours on end? I agree it’s the greatest. The situation is akin to a fairy tale come true. The more you chat with other people on set, the more you realize that the relationship between the cast and staff is something truly unique and remarkable. There is no tension. It’s nice to know that even after five years of working with the same team, things are still going swimmingly.

Young performers on hit series often get a rough reception on social media. How would you describe your encounters? Is there something your fanbase consistently misunderstands about you or your role?

The internet is a rabbit hole into which you can easily tumble if you don’t take precautions against it. When you read hundreds of positive comments, the one negative one can really set you back.

Nonetheless, I’ve managed to mature and make my way through life without being dependent on people’s reactions. Extremely positive responses have been received for Cobra Kai. Nonetheless, I’m not shooting for superstardom or even a large number of Instagram likes.

The representation, the exposure, is crucial when portraying a character like Miguel Diaz because it shows that ” look like everybody else, we sound alike, and our families are similar. This is something real and achievable for you. And I’m not giving that up easily. On the internet, you can say whatever you want. A great deal of peace of mind, though, is attached to that single thought.

As Miguel continues his quest to identify his biological father, how would you tease his story this coming season?

What we saw last season is where we pick up in the current one. Although his mom and grandma dote on him, Miguel realized at his most recent competition that he needs a father figure in his life. Johnny did a fantastic job of filling that need.

I’ve really enjoyed playing Miguel because he can find love and acceptance without a biological father figure. Many of the people I’ve met who have never met their biological fathers have developed strong bonds with other adults, whether they’re men or women.

I think Johnny helped Miguel feel wanted and comfortable, and he was a terrific influence and motivation for him. Of course, that could only work for so long. Not an easy road is ahead for Miguel. It’s a leap into the unknown for him. Whatever happens, I hope he gets some clarity. Honestly, I never expected the show to go there.

I was wondering earlier, what you hoped to accomplish with your Cobra Kai persona. When you look ahead ten years, what do you want your acting career to look like? Just what is it that you hope to accomplish?

I may have said something like, “I want to win an Oscar!” two years ago. I see now; how is that a target? How can you take preventative measures? That may sound extremely Zen, but I really do want to be happy.

Even though widespread exposure thanks to things like movies, social media, and publicity can be hugely beneficial, it can also have some negative effects. I am completely fine with making mistakes in front of and behind the camera so long as I am able to grow from them.

Since I can’t always predict what will make me happy, the only thing I can truly aim to control is how I react to those around me. If the universe has its way, everything else will work out.