Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Blue Beetle.
Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto would love to cast Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis as a popular DC Comics character in a potential future sequel to his film.
In an interview with The Digital Fix, Soto revealed his dream casting choice for the character of Ted Kord, who assumed the role of Blue Beetle before Jaime Reyes. He explained that what matters most is finding the most suitable actor for the role, but he personally thinks Sudeikis would be a good fit for the character.
“My dream cast for Ted Kord has always been Jason Sudeikis,” Soto told the outlet. “But at the end of the day, it’s about who’s best for the character, who loves what we’re trying to do. And who’s willing to see Jaime Reyes’ story continue.”
The post-credits scene for Blue Beetle sets up a potential sequel with Ted after he returns to deliver an important message to his daughter: He is, in fact, still alive. The former Blue Beetle does not appear on screen, but a painting in the background of the scene led some to believe that the role would end up going to Sudeikis.
saw someone say this was ted kord and omg I love this fancast. pic.twitter.com/vwjYmXVtCe
— tyler (@odditss) August 19, 2023
The painting of Ted in the movie looks exactly Jason Sudeikis, too https://t.co/FdNK1yea5s
— Smv (@Smv_of_Heroes) August 19, 2023
It would be so dope to see him in the DCU.
— BrutalVengeance (@BVengeance267) August 22, 2023
The Ted Kord teaser is a huge moment for fans of the legendary Charlton Comics turned DC hero, as it confirms the character’s existence in the DC Universe. Whether we actually ever get to meet Jenny’s mysterious father on screen is another matter, as a sequel will hinge on the box-office success of the first film.
Blue Beetle soared into theaters on August 18, but it had one of the weakest openings for a DCEU film. The film grossed nearly $25 million in the U.S. and Canada and $18.6 million overseas for a global total of $43.4 million across 64 markets, which means it has still got a way to go to recoup the costs of its $104 million budget.
Despite its sluggish start at the box office, Blue Beetle has received generally positive reviews from fans and critics, with IGN’s own review praising Soto for managing to craft “a superhero movie that sets itself apart within the bloated genre through the deeply connected bonds of Jaime and the Reyes family.”
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.