- "The universe has sent you a gift, Jaime. And you have to figure out what you’re going to do with it. Maybe this did all happen for a reason. Maybe it’s time that we get our own hero. And not just some foot up our ass."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jaime Reyes[src]
Cesar "Rudy" Reyes is a Mexican migrant in Palmera City, a former mechanic at Reyes Motors, brother of Alberto Reyes and uncle of Jaime Reyes, whom he helped, along with Jenny Kord, during the conflict with Victoria Kord and discover his fusion with the Khaji-Da Scarab.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Arrival in Palmera City[]
- "Look at your old man. He brought me here from Sonora. I was ten. I think he was 19. And people think crossing the border is hard. Yeah, it’s hard, but you know what’s harder? The next 20 years after, I mean, la chinga."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jaime Reyes[src]
César Reyes was born to Nana Reyes in Sonora, Mexico, and his childhood was marked by television series and soap operas such as El Chapulín Colorado and María la del Barrio. At the age of ten, Reyes and his family migrated to Palmera City, settling in the Edge Keys neighborhood, while his brother Alberto found any job working sixteen hours a day to take care of his family and home due to the difficulty of leaving Mexico.
Reyes with his family.
Developing ideas of conspiracy to commit to the government, Reyes took the nickname "Rudy" and admired Palmera City's local superhero, Blue Beetle, who would become his idol for his sense of humor before his mysterious disappearance. As a skilled mechanic, Reyes was part of the family garage, Reyes Motors, and eventually became the uncle to Alberto and his wife, Rocio's, children, Jaime and Milagro Reyes. Due to the corruption at Kord Industries that led to the garage's closure, Reyes campaigned against them, going to a company swimming pool to compare his testicles to the size of the area.[1]
Jaime Reyes' Graduation[]
Reyes meets with Jaime.
- "Welcome back, pinche college boy."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jaime Reyes[src]
Reyes eventually witnessed Alberto Reyes suffer a brief heart attack, but he soon recovered, while dealing with the family's financial problems. Jaime Reyes later returned to Palmera City, where he was welcomed by his family. Rudy drove to the airport in The Taco, whistling to his nephew when he saw him to congratulate him on his graduation. However, when Jaime asked him to get out of the car to share a hug, he refused due to the risk of the government watching him, telling his family his conspiracy theories, to which Milagro Reyes responded sarcastically.
Reyes talks about the closure of Reyes Motors by Kord Industries.
When the family got into the car, Reyes popped a balloon Milagro gave Jaime, which he believed might have a microphone inside that could listen to them, before heading to a restaurant to celebrate Jaime's success. Reyes witnessed Milagro reveal to Jaime that they would lose their house for not being able to pay the landlord's rent. She revealed that Kord Industries was responsible for the closure of Reyes Motors and Alberto's brief heart attack. Jaime was overwhelmed by everything that had happened, claiming they never told him so as not to distract him from his studies.
Reyes congratulates Jaime on his job.
After the celebration, the family returned home, driven by Reyes. Although Jaime was still shocked by the bad things that had happened, he decided to get a job at Kord Industries and pay the rent. Since Jaime was getting a new job offer at Kord Tower, Reyes and his family encouraged him at the time, mentioning that Jaime saw himself as a great businessman and asking him to bring a Molotov cocktail to burn down Kord Plaza. He was embarrassed by Reyes and Milagro's comments. But before he left, Reyes and his family praised Jaime.[1]
Conflict with Kord Industries[]
Jaime Reyes' Transformation[]
The Reyes family encourages Jaime Reyes to open the box.
- "Jaime, it’s on your face! It’s on your face!"
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jaime Reyes[src]
After Jaime Reyes returned home with a box of Big Belly Burger delivered by Jenny Kord, the Reyes family realized that Jaime hadn't opened the box yet because Kord had asked him not to. However, after encouraging him with a song, Jaime was convinced to open it, noticing a strange insect-like object. Rudy began playing with it with Milagro Reyes and tried to look for his tools to discover what it was. Jaime snatched it from his hands, and Rudy watched the object glow, which Reyes mistook for a new Tamagotchi.
Reyes is horrified to see the object placed on Jaime's face.
Reyes and his family were amazed when Jaime was able to make the object glow, but it suddenly launched itself at Jaime, scaring the entire family. Reyes tried unsuccessfully to help his nephew, causing a beam from the object to shoot him into a water tank. Confused, Reyes watched as the object entered Jaime, claiming it entered through his backside, and they saw him jump toward the ceiling, thinking he was possessed, while Reyes intentionally manifested armor all over his body. Reyes, who was praying, and his family were frightened by Jaime's transformation, which sent him flying through the roof of the house, until Jaime, naked, returned home and fainted in front of his family.
Reyes creates theories about the consequences of reporting it to the police.
Worried, Reyes and his family watched over Jaime on the couch to watch him wake up and tried to warn him that the object was now on his back, something Jaime would discover on his own, further overwhelming him. Reyes heard that Jaime would go to Kord to ask for his help, discovering that during his flight, he had cut a bus and traveled into space. Instead of Rocio Reyes calling the police, Rudy warned that if she did, Kord Industries and the CIA would come after them, putting the family at risk. Before Jaime left to find Kord, Reyes and his family compared Reyes' crush on Kord to Maria, the girl from the neighborhood, however, Reyes fainted when he saw Jaime take The Taco.[1]
Meeting Jenny Kord[]
- "We know who you are. What are you doing here? Thinking about turning our house into a nuclear power plant? I went swimming out there by where your family has that company. My testicles are seven times their normal size. Shouldn’t you be pillaging cobalt from some developing country or something, Jenny?"
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jenny Kord[src]
Reyes expresses his prejudices against Jenny Kord.
After Jaime Reyes rescued Jenny Kord, taking her home to her family, Reyes, overwhelmed, worriedly observed the state of The Taco after several gunshots. Upon entering the house, Reyes became angry with Jaime for damaging his car, introducing himself as "Rudy" to Kord, who refused to call him that because his friends could only call him by his nickname. Reyes began mocking and berating Kord, judging her as seeking to turn his territory into a nuclear power plant, surprising Kord, who asked Jaime to see the Scarab, an opportunity Rudy used to angrily try to launch his boot at Jaime, prompting his family to reprimand him for his behavior.
Rudy, his family, and Kord once again expressed disgust at seeing the Scarab fused to Jaime's back, something that didn't affect Reyes, stating that he had seen worse, refusing to tell Milagro Reyes, and discovering that the Scarab was a weapon of mass destruction. Kord revealed that her father had told her the Scarab chose hosts, with Jaime being the one it chose. During the talk, the family learned that they would now be in danger from hitmen sent by Kord's aunt, Victoria Kord, worrying everyone. However, Alberto Reyes inspired his family to face whatever it took. To help Jaime, Kord had to infiltrate Kord Tower to acquire a key, a mission Rudy agreed to participate in, informing them that he could modify a device he had been creating that would be useful to them.[1]
Skirmish at Kord Plaza[]
Reyes, Jaime and Jenny Kord infiltrate in Kord Plaza.
- "Cesar! What are you doing?"
"Okay, Kord girl. When I tell you, pull that handbrake and pull it hard." - ―Jenny Kord and Rudy Reyes[src]
After modifying his hacking device called El Chapulín, Reyes took Jaime Reyes and Jenny Kord to Kord Plaza, where he presented his completed device, a name that confused Jaime. Before the infiltration, Reyes rigged El Chapulín with Kord's help, managing to get it working. Rudy kept the device running to allow Reyes and Kord to enter Kord Tower to acquire the Ted Clock. Reyes used El Chapulín inside The Taco to block the security cameras, playing the intro to El Chapulín Colorado, and listening to music.
Reyes and Jenny Kord watch Jaime fight Ignacio Carapax.
Suddenly, Reyes was surprised by Kord, who, alarmed, told him that Jaime was in danger, as he was fighting the cybernetic lieutenant, Ignacio Carapax, who was trying to kill him to acquire the Beetle. Reyes and Kord rushed over to help him, but both ducked when Carapax fired at the car. When Carapax tried to crush Jaime, Reyes and Kord threw El Chapulín at Carapax, knocking him down with a truck. They managed to rescue Jaime and escape, offering him a T-shirt since he was naked. During their escape, Reyes was pleased that Kord had obtained the key, discovering how Reyes was becoming increasingly connected to the Beetle, whose real name was Khaji-Da.[1]
Visit to Kord Estate[]
Reyes observes the technology on the Bug Lair.
- "Okay, right now, Jaime, look. It’s fusing itself to every cell in your body. It’s completely coiled around your brain. And there’s nothing on earth that could remove it."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jaime Reyes[src]
On the outskirts of Palmera City, Rudy, Jaime Reyes, and Jenny Kord arrived at the Kord Estate, the former residence of Kord's family, where they could not be found. Inside, Reyes and Jaime were amazed to see an underground entrance beneath the house and several paintings of Khaji-Da, but to Rudy's surprise, he entered the Bug Lair, discovering that Kord's father, Ted Kord, was the Blue Beetle, explaining the superhero's life to Jaime, comparing him to heroes like Superman and the Flash. Amazed by the discovery, Reyes allowed Kord to call him Rudy, before hearing Jaime mention that the technology was similar to that of Batman, whom Reyes viewed as a fascist.
Reyes talks about Khaji-Da's bond with its host.
Using a computer in the cave, Reyes, after complaining about Jaime's smell, proceeded to hack into the system to learn how to separate Jaime from Khaji-Da. Rudy discovered that Ted had conducted tests with his professor, Dan Garrett, deducing that Khaji-Da could not be separated from its host until being killed. Reyes called Jaime and Kord to report, interrupting their sentimental moment and praising Jaime's suit. In the cave, Reyes explained Garrett's experiments, reporting that Khaji-Da fused with Jaime to become one, a reason unknown to the trio, revealing that Khaji-Da came from another planet, a sentient creature that chose its host.
Reyes compares Jaime to a superhero.
Reyes told Jaime that he must be dead to end his bond with Khaji-Da, who was now fused with his brain, commenting that nothing on Earth could extract the scarab, with Kord mentioning that the scarab's function was to protect its host. Despite Jaime's frustration, Reyes tried to calm him down, stating that Jaime could be a superhero, though Jaime was hesitant to choose Khaji-Da or be handed over to Victoria Kord, berating Reyes and Kord for the bad news he received, choosing to go for a walk outside the estate, and Kord tried to support him, but Reyes decided to talk to his nephew, as he knew where he was going.[1]
Advising Jaime Reyes[]
Reyes talks to Jaime about Alberto.
- "Yeah, we’re… we’re resilient people. Life will continue to hit us with curve balls, and… difference is, when we get hit, we get stronger."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jaime Reyes[src]
On the roof of the Kord Estate, Reyes was able to find a thoughtful Jaime Reyes, joking that he was similar to a cat, before asking how he felt after revelation and Jaime apologized to Reyes for having insulted him. Reyes tried to understand Jaime's strange situation, commenting that everyone in the family is resilient, expressing that life did not stop blowing them, each being stronger than the previous one, which made them strong, and told Jaime about Alberto Reyes's past, who took Palmera City to Reyes to his young age, stating that it was very difficult for the family to cross the border.
Reyes advises Jaime on what to do with Khaji-Da.
Reyes explained how Alberto got works as a day laborer, waiter, mechanical and lava dishes, only to help his family stay united and move on, an obligation that Alberto had to fulfill as a patriarch. After telling his brother's story, Reyes told Jaime that the universe had granted Khaji-Da as a gift, advising him that he should discover how he will use it, suggesting to become a hero, but despite everything, Reyes continued to feel like a failure that slept in the room of the house, although Jaime uploaded his self-esteem, rejoiceing both and expressing his family love, encouraging Jaime.[1]
Attack on the Reyes Household[]
Reyes and Kord try to stop Jaime from jumping.
- "You gotta force it to come out."
"What do you… Oh. Oh. You’re a genius."
"I know. What’d I say?"
"You said this thing’s gonna protect me, right? It’s not gonna let me die?" - ―Rudy Reyes and Jaime Reyes[src]
The conversation was interrupted by Jenny Kord, who alerted them about the Victoria Kord's helicopter, confusing Reyes by not knowing where he was going, but Jaime realized that they approached the house. To help his family, Jaime tried to free Khaji-Da to fly, being seen by Kord and Reyes, who was reluctant that Jaime could do it, inciting his nephew to make the beetle go out, an idea that Jaime thanked, risking, despite the warning of the duo, to jump from the roof, managing to make Khaji-to activate the armor.
The Reyes family mourns the loss of Alberto.
Reyes and Kord departed in The Taco to follow Jaime and arrived in Edge Keys, discovering the house wrapped in flames, worrying Reyes when he saw Alberto Reyes suffer from a heart attack, asking Kord to call an ambulance, and observing with horror the kidnapping of Jaime by Victoria Kord. Despite the efforts of the doctors, Alberto ended up dying, making the Reyes family cry, who were gathered by Nana Reyes to rescue Jaime de Kord Industries, convincing him of not feeling sadness and carrying out his mission, promising that there will be a time to cry when the conflict ended, and Rudy accepted, receiving the support of Jenny Kord to discover Victoria's base.[1]
Battle at Pago Island[]
Reyes attacks the soldiers with the Bug Ship.
- "Hey! Take these! Come on! Come and get me."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Ignacio Carapax[src]
The Reyes family was guided by Jenny Kord to the Bug Lair, where they found the Bug Ship, which initially failed, until gave him some kicks to reactivate it, driving the ship with emotion, unlike the fear of Kord and the rest of the family, addressing the Pago Island in Cuba, while Nana Reyes coordinated the attack plan. When crashing the Bug Ship against the island, Reyes activated the beast mode of the ship, reproducing "Kickstart My Heart", attacking several Kord Industries soldiers with the ship's legs and then activated the furtive mode that released the insect fart, which knocked down the rest of the soldiers who watched the island.
Reyes warns about Carapax.
Following the plan, Reyes, Nana and Rocío stayed in the Bug Ship while Kord and Milagro Reyes infiltrated under the island's laboratory to find Jaime Reyes, who would be rescued and found by Nana, who murdered several soldiers. Inside the ship, Reyes met with Jaime, who decided to return to look for Kord and Milagro, before Reyes discovered that the armor was not working for the moment after the transfer, so Rocío encouraged Jaime and Khaji-Da to work together. To try to help, Reyes returned to the base, watching Jaime and Milagro defeat the soldiers and worried about Kord's absence, before Reyes warned Ignacio Carapax's attack in alert.
Reyes distracts Carapax with rocks, saving his nephew.
Reyes and Milagro were able to protect themselves from Carapax's blaster, who began a duel against Jaime throughout the island, so Reyes ordered Milagro to return to Bug Ship, since he was willing to save Jaime. When Carapax, using the definitive improvement of the OMAC Armor, was about to kill Jaime, Reyes threw stones at Carapax, distracting him to stop his fatal attack against Jaime and continued to throw several rocks at him, allowing his nephew Jaime to recover while Carapax is distracted. However, Carapax aims and shoots a missile towards Reyes as the latter makes a break for it, seemingly killing him in front of Jaime, who cries out his uncle's name in anguish.
The Reyes family shares a hug.
Believing Reyes had been killed, a now-enraged Jaime unleashes his full power against Carapax by launching himself in the air and attacking his enemy with an enormous energy blast, gaining the upper hand and soon attempting to kill him to avenge Alberto and Reyes, the latter who silently survived the ordeal unbeknownst to Jaime. Reyes soon returned to the Bug Ship, driven by Rocio, to collect Jaime and Kord after the battle, quickly fleeing the island when Carapax sacrificed himself to kill Victoria Kord. Out of danger, Reyes revealed his survival to Jaime, with whom he joyfully shared a hug. Reunited, the entire family, including Kord, shared a hug, mourning Alberto and celebrating his survival.[1]
Back to Normal[]
Jenny Kord's Gift[]
Reyes dresses in mourning for Alberto Reyes.
- "Wait a minute, did you tell her to say that?"
"Rudy, I didn’t say shit."
"That sounds like something that you would say to her to tell me." - ―Rudy Reyes and Jaime Reyes[src]
Days after the battle, Reyes and his family held a funeral in Alberto Reyes's honor and then returned to the destroyed house. Rudy tearfully asked what they would do next, but Jaime Reyes tried to encourage him, saying that together they could make it through. The Reyes family watched the arrival of their neighbors, who organized a party to cheer them up, making the family proud of everyone's support. During the party, Reyes and his family gathered together, encouraged by Nana Reyes to make a new beginning. However, Reyes was reluctant because they didn't have a home, although the others affirmed that they could receive support from their neighbors.
The Reyes family celebrates Jaime and Jenny's kiss.
The family watched the unexpected arrival of Jenny Kord, who had been promoted to director of Kord Industries and revealed that no homes would be removed in Edge Keys and that their home would be repaired, stating that they would learn from the people who live in the neighborhood, starting with Reyes, who refused to believe Kord's praise for him, believing it was Jaime who had asked him to tell her. Reyes received a key to a new Tacoma, as a gift from Kord to compensate for the destruction of The Taco, surprising Reyes because of the car's blue color. After seeing Jaime and Kord kiss, Reyes and her family celebrated, singing together the introduction of María la del Barrio, making them both uncomfortable, before the couple flew away.[1]
Personality[]
- "My name’s Cesar, okay? And only my friends call me Rudy."
- ―Rudy Reyes to Jenny Kord[src]
Rudy Reyes is Jaime's uncle and the eccentric genius of the Reyes family, with a talented mind for technology that has never reached its full potential. As fiercely protective of his family as he is his pride and joy, The Taco, Rudy steps up to unleash his technical prowess and help his nephew in his journey towards becoming the hero Blue Beetle.[2]
Reyes is the eccentric, fiercely loyal, and tech-savvy uncle of Jaime Reyes, known for his unconventional humor and deep devotion to his family. Often seen as the comic relief within the Reyes household, Rudy masks his intelligence and emotional depth beneath a layer of conspiracy theories, pop culture references, and offbeat behavior. Despite his laid-back and often goofy exterior, Rudy is resourceful, brave, and plays a pivotal role in the family's fight against Kord Industries.
He possesses a sharp mind for electronics and hacking, demonstrated by his creation of El Chapulín, a makeshift surveillance device used to breach Kord Tower security. Rudy's quick thinking and ingenuity repeatedly prove vital, especially during high-stress situations where others may falter. Rudy also exhibits profound emotional strength. His love for his nephew Jaime is evident throughout the film, and he doesn’t hesitate to put himself in danger—most notably during the raid on Pago Island, where he risks his life to distract Carapax and save Jaime. Though he often plays the fool, Rudy’s core values of loyalty, family, and justice shine through when it matters most. Beneath his wild theories and irreverent sense of humor lies a deeply empathetic and courageous man, making Rudy not only a beloved uncle but also an unexpected hero.
Abilities[]
- Bilingualism: As a native Mexican-American, Rudy Reyes is a fluent speaker of both Spanish and English.
- Genius-Level Intelect: César Reyes is a skilled mechanic, working at the Reyes Motors auto shop with his brother, which led him to develop a custom-made hacking device, which he named El Chapulín in honor of the series he was a fan of. Reyes' ingenuity in creating eye-catching gadgets led him to be nicknamed the "Mexican Doc Brown."
Equipment[]
Vehicles[]
- The Taco: Rudy owned a Toyota Tacoma which he named The Taco, using it to transport his family around Palmera City. When Jaime Reyes took the vehicle to rescue Jenny Kord, it was badly damaged by gunfire, horrifying Rudy who became enraged with Jaime, so Jenny, saddened by the damage, gave Rudy a new blue Tacoma, which surprised him.
- Bug Ship: To rescue Jaime Reyes from Victoria Kord on Pago Island, the Reyes family used the ship Ted Kord originally used in his Blue Beetle operations to assault the facility, with Rudy Reyes piloting it, successfully kicking it towards the island. Upon crashing the ship onto the island, Rudy attacked several Kord soldiers with the ship's legs.
Other equipment[]
- El Chapulín: In his job as a mechanic, Reyes created a jury-rigged mechanism called which he named after the series he was a fan of. When Jenny Kord and Jaime Reyes were supposed to infiltrate Kord Tower to steal Ted Watch, Rudy helped them, and after making some modifications, he used the device to hack the security system to play the series' intro on the feeds. Seeing Jaime being crushed by Ignacio Carapax, Rudy and Kord threw the device at Carapax to save Jaime, destroying the device.
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Trivia[]
- Rudy Reyes is a fan of El Chapulín Colorado.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Eddie J. Fernandez, Bobby Hernandez and Richard Marrero were stunt doubles for George Lopez in the role of Rudy Reyes.
References[]
