When people think ofStudio Ghibli, they might picture whimsical forests, flying machines, or soot sprites, not superheroes in capes. But the studio’s artistic legacy reaches far beyond the borders of traditional anime fandom. Actor Xolo Maridueña recently cited Ghibli as a key influence for the upcomingBlue Beetleanimated series, signaling just how deeply these Japanese stories have woven themselves into the fabric of Western media.
In aScreenRant interview, Maridueña, who portrays Jaime Reyes, spoke with passion about animation’s creative freedom. He didn’t just name expected superhero fare likeYoung JusticeorAvatar: The Last Airbenderas inspirations.He made sure to include Studio Ghibli, calling out the studio’s storytelling power and emotional depth.The mention says a lot about how Ghibli’s legacy has expanded beyond its genre and geography.
“Some of my [favorite stories are] Avatar: the Last Airbender, Young Justice, and the Studio Ghibli stuff. I think there’s so much that the creatives are pulling from, and I’m excited to see how Blue Beetle fits in.”
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Studio Ghibli’s films aren’t just admired, they’re studied, referenced, and spiritually borrowed by creators worldwide. The studio has a unique ability to blend childlike wonder with deeply human emotions. That’s a rare quality in media, especially within superhero franchises where action often overshadows feeling.
Maridueña’s mention of Ghibli points to a desire for something more meaningful in superhero storytelling.Ghibli excels at subtlety as its stories breathe, letting silence speak louder than explosions. This influence could steerBlue Beetletoward quieter, more emotionally deep moments than typical DC action fare.
Ghibli also teaches creators to trust animation as an art form, not just a genre. Rather than serving as a “kid-friendly” version of live-action, animation becomes the ideal format for certain stories. That thinking aligns with Maridueña’s excitement about what animated Blue Beetle can do that live-action can’t.
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With the DC Universe evolving under James Gunn’s direction, there’s room to experiment, especially in animated projects. If creators draw from Ghibli,Blue Beetlemight trade bombast for emotional nuance, focusing more on the character’s inner world than external spectacle.
There’s a strong narrative parallel, too. Like many Ghibli heroes, Jaime Reyes is a reluctant protagonist dealing with powers he didn’t ask for. The tension between destiny and personal choice is a Ghibli hallmark. Applying that introspective lens to Jaime’s journey could make the series feel richer and more universally relatable.
Infusing a property likeBlue Beetlewith the poetic sensibility ofSpirited Awayor the emotional honesty ofMy Neighbor Totorocould set it apart.
The timing couldn’t be better. Audiences are growing weary of cookie-cutter superhero formulas. Infusing a property likeBlue Beetlewith the poetic sensibility ofSpirited Awayor the emotional honesty ofMy Neighbor Totorocould set it apart.Studio Ghibli isn’t just inspiring animators, it’s redefining what superhero stories can be.
