Blue Beetle star Xolo Maridueña has called upon DC fans to promote the upcoming superhero film during the actors’ strike.
On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA agreed to join the ongoing writers’ strike in their fight for fair pay and safeguards against AI.
This will leave hundreds of stars unable to promote their upcoming films, and Maridueña – known to most for his role on Netflix’s Cobra Kai – took to Instagram this week with a solution.
“First and foremost, I hope that the issue gets resolved swiftly,” he began.
“But with that being said, it needs to be solved in the right way and the 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.”
Maridueña expressed his regret that he’ll be unable to take part in the planned press junket for the film, which releases in cinemas on August 18.
However, Blue Beetle has already amassed a sizable fanbase, which the star hopes will generate enough support to make the film a hit.
“I love you all, to all the supporters,” he said to his 3.2 million followers.
“To the Blue Beetle f**king battalion! Y’all are killing it! I won’t be able to promote this movie, but you can.
“And we can together. Let’s do this for the culture, let’s do this for the community.
“Let’s do this for the opportunity for others. And, more importantly, let’s kick a**! I’m so excited.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a supporter, and we will see you at the theatres, August 18.”
In his video, Maridueña also thanked the cast and crew who have helped bring the Blue Beetle – who first debuted in comics in 1939 before DC Comics bought him in 1983 – to life.
The supporting cast includes Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopaz and Susan Sarandon.
Intended as the launch of a new DC Universe continuing with James Gunn’s Superman Legacy, the film follows a college graduate who gains extraordinary abilities when he merges with an ancient alien exoskeleton.
Blue Beetle is out in cinemas on Friday, August 18.
