The DC Universe is expanding with Blue Beetle, as new images reveal the villains of the upcoming superhero movie. Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon and notable actor Raoul Max Trujillo take the spotlight in the Blue Beetle sneak peek shared by Entertainment Weekly.

In the recent snapshot from Blue Beetle, Susan Sarandon is seen in her new role as Victoria Kord, an original character designed for the DC Universe film. Alongside her, Raoul Max Trujillo takes on the formidable role of Conrad Carapax. Differing from these villains, Bruna Marquezine stands as Jenny Kord, who is expected to serve as a love interest to Xolo Maridueña’s Jaime Reyes.

In a second Blue Beetle image, Victoria Kord is seen scolding Dr. Sanchez, portrayed by Harvey Guillén. Sanchez is described as Victoria’s “science guy,” though details about him are being kept under wraps.

“She’s a woman who is very smart and was dedicated to the family business, and then the father gives it to the son, which is a huge shock,” Sarandon tells EW about Victoria, who is the older sister of Ted Kord, a former Blue Beetle. “On top of that, the son is very irresponsible and basically destroys the fortune that has been built, and then just disappears, leaving her to put the business to sleep. Then she builds it back, but with great resentment because she’s been passed over.”

Who is DC’s Blue Beetle?

Blue Beetle is one of DC’s lesser-known heroes, but he has a dedicated fanbase nonetheless. Created in 1939 by Charles Wojtkowski, Blue Beetle has gone through several iterations over the years. The Jaime Reyes version of the character was introduced during the events of 2006’s Infinite Crisis and quickly became a fan-favorite.

In the pages of DC Comics, Jaime Reyes is a teenager from El Paso, Texas. Jaime discovers a scarab beetle-shaped device that bonds with his body, giving him access to an advanced suit of armor and various powers. He becomes the latest in a long line of Blue Beetles and must learn to balance his newfound abilities with his everyday life.

Angel Manuel Soto is directing Blue Beetle from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. The full cast of the movie also includes Bruna Marquezine, Belissa Escobedo, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Trujillo, Susan Sarandon and Harvey Guillén.

Blue Beetle is currently scheduled to hit theaters on August 18, 2023. Stay tuned for the latest news surrounding the film.