Honestly, walking into a superhero movie usually feels like a checklist. Cape? Check. CGI sky beam? Probably. But when Bruna Marquezine stepped onto the screen in Blue Beetle, things felt... different. She wasn't just another "love interest" stuffed into a tight suit to look pretty. As Jenny Kord, she became the emotional glue of the whole story.
If you aren't familiar with her, Bruna is a massive deal in Brazil. Like, "started acting at five years old and has 45 million Instagram followers" kind of deal. But for many US audiences, Blue Beetle was the first time they actually saw her. And man, she didn't miss.
Who is Jenny Kord anyway?
Most people assume Jenny was just some character invented to give Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) someone to crush on. Not quite. Jenny Kord is actually the daughter of Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle from the comics. She carries the weight of a legacy that’s basically broken.
Her aunt, Victoria Kord (played by the legendary Susan Sarandon), is the villain trying to weaponize alien tech. Jenny is the one who steals the Scarab—the "Khaji-Da"—and hands it to Jaime in a burger box. No Jenny, no Blue Beetle. It's that simple.
The chemistry that actually felt real
Let’s be real: most Marvel or DC romances feel forced. You’ve got two actors who met three weeks ago trying to convince us they’re soulmates while standing in front of a green screen.
The vibe between Bruna and Xolo was different. It felt scrappy. Natural. Bruna brought this "fed up but hopeful" energy to Jenny that played perfectly against Xolo’s "panicked kid from Palmera City" routine. There’s a scene where they’re in the Kord estate, and she’s showing him her father’s old gadgets. You can see the grief in her eyes, but also the spark of someone who finally found an ally.
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I think that's why fans went crazy for them. It wasn't just "attractive people staring at each other." It was two people bonding over being outsiders.
Is Bruna Marquezine staying in the new DCU?
This is the big question everyone is asking in 2026. With James Gunn and Peter Safran hitting the reset button on the DC Universe, a lot of actors got the boot. (Sorry, Henry Cavill).
But here’s the good news: James Gunn has been very vocal about the fact that Blue Beetle is the first DCU character. Even though the movie was technically released under the old "DCEU" regime, Gunn has essentially "grandfathered" these characters in. In recent updates from late 2025 and early 2026, we’ve heard more about the Blue Beetle animated series.
Reports suggest that most of the original cast, including Bruna, are expected to return to voice their characters. This is a huge win. It means Jenny Kord isn't a one-off. She’s likely going to be the bridge to finding her father, Ted Kord, who was teased in that mid-credits scene.
Why her role matters for Brazil
You can't talk about Bruna in Blue Beetle without talking about the cultural impact. Brazil has a massive comic book culture, but they’ve rarely seen one of their own leading a global blockbuster.
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Bruna almost played Supergirl in The Flash (a role that eventually went to Sasha Calle), but missing out on that led her here. For her, this wasn't just a job. It was a breakthrough. She’s talked in interviews about how surreal it was to go from Rio de Janeiro to a massive Hollywood set.
"I always had a feeling that it could happen, but I grew up listening to people say that it was impossible," she told Flaunt.
Breaking down the performance
If you watch her closely, Bruna does a lot with very little dialogue. She has this way of looking at the Reyes family—this loud, chaotic, loving Mexican-American family—with a mix of envy and awe. Jenny grew up with money but no warmth. Jaime grew up with no money but all the warmth.
That contrast is the heart of the movie.
- The Action: She holds her own. She isn't the one with the suit, but she’s the one with the brains and the Kord tech.
- The Emotional Stakes: When she finds out what happened to her father, she doesn't just play it as "sad girl." She plays it as a woman ready to burn down her aunt's empire.
- The Style: Let's be honest, her fashion sense in the movie (and on the red carpet) was top-tier. She brought a specific "cool girl" energy that the DC movies had been lacking.
What’s next for Bruna?
Since Blue Beetle, Bruna hasn't slowed down. She’s been rumored to be dating Shawn Mendes (they were spotted together as recently as last week in LA), which has kept her in the tabloids. But her career is the real story.
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She’s moving into producing and directing, working on projects like Benefits with Friends. But for DC fans, the eyes are on the future. If the animated series does well, there’s a very high chance we see a live-action Blue Beetle 2 or a Booster Gold series where Jenny Kord plays a major role.
The "Kord" name is too big in DC lore to just drop. If Ted Kord is coming back, Jenny is the character who has to lead us to him.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a fan of Bruna or just want to see where this story goes, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch for the Animated Series: Production is reportedly ramping up in early 2026. This will be the first "official" reappearance of Jenny Kord in the new continuity.
- Follow the Booster Gold News: Since Ted Kord (Jenny's dad) is Booster Gold's best friend, any casting news for that show will likely involve Jenny Kord as well.
- Support her Brazilian Projects: If you liked her acting, check out Maldivas on Netflix. It shows a completely different side of her range.
Bruna Marquezine didn't just join a franchise; she carved out a spot in a universe that is notoriously hard to survive. Whether she’s voicing Jenny in a cartoon or suiting up again for a sequel, she’s proven that she belongs on the global stage.
Keep an eye on the official DC Studios social media accounts for the specific release date of the Blue Beetle series, as rumors point toward a late 2026 premiere.