Box Office: ‘Blue Beetle’ Takes Flight With $3.3 Million in Previews

Barbie has reigned over the box office with a historic, hot-pink theatrical run over the past four weeks, but now its facing its biggest challenge yet: DCs latest superhero film, Blue Beetle. The comic book film, led by Cobra Kai star Xolo Mariduea, picked up $3.3 million in Thursday previews at the domestic box office.

Itll be a close box office battle between Barbie and Blue Beetle (both from Warner Bros.), but the latter is tipped to come out on top in its opening weekend. Blue Beetle is projected to make between $25 million to $32 million this weekend, while Barbie is poised to add $17 million to $20 million in its fifth week.

Directed by ngel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle is DCs first superhero movie led by a Latino actor. Mariduea plays Jaime Reyes, a teen who stumbles upon a mysterious piece of alien technology that encases him in an advanced exoskeleton suit. The powerful blue suit grants him extraordinary abilities, like flight, energy projection and super strength.

The cast includes Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Damin Alcazr, Raoul Max Trujillo, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Bruna Marquezine, Harvey Guilln and Becky G.

Blue Beetle is the third of four DC movies coming out this year, following Shazam: Fury of the Gods and The Flash. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom arrives in December. Shazam 2 made $3.4 million in previews on its way to a $30.1 million opening, while The Flash had $9.7 million in previews and a $55 million opening. However, both films fell short of expectations.

Also opening this weekend is Universals Strays, a raunchy, talking-dog comedy starring Will Forte and the voices of Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Josh Gad and Sofa Vergara. The R-rated comedy is projected to open with $15 million to $17 million.