Xolo Maridueña Reflects on His Unplanned Path to Stardom and Latest Role in 'Practical Magic 2'
The 25-year-old actor initially pursued filmmaking out of a love for storytelling, not a specific ambition to act, after joining a local theater group in Boyle Heights. He credits his parents' creative careers for inspiring his own artistic journey. Maridueña now stars as Joey King's love interest in the sequel, showcasing a different side of masculinity.
Maridueña's artistic roots trace back to his parents' work in music and visual arts, which prompted him to join a Boyle Heights theater troupe. His initial draw was the collaborative nature of stage production rather than a specific ambition to perform on screen.
His portrayal of Jaime Reyes in *Blue Beetle* marked a historic first for Latino representation in live-action DC films, though its release coincided with the actors' strike, limiting promotional efforts. He is set to reprise the role in *Man of Tomorrow*, while currently appearing as a love interest in the *Practical Magic* sequel, navigating the franchise's infamous curse.
This career trajectory could influence Hollywood's casting choices, demonstrating that Latino actors can anchor major franchises while also exploring softer, romantic roles. Audiences, particularly young Latinos, may feel increased validation seeing a familiar face in both action and romance genres. The sequel's portrayal of a male love interest navigating a supernatural curse might also subtly challenge traditional masculine archetypes in mainstream cinema.