Xolo Mariduena, best known for his roles in ‘Cobra Kai’ and DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’, is now stepping into the magical and mystical world of ‘Practical Magic’. The sequel will see him play the role of Gideon, the boyfriend of Joey King’s character Kylie, and finding himself with the beloved Owens family, alongside leading ladies Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.Having grown up with four sisters, the hunk shared his thoughts about the original film and why it held a special resonance for him. In a statement, he opens up about joining the franchise, working with King, witnessing Bullock and Kidman’s return to their iconic roles, and whether he believes in magic, fate and destiny.Excerpts:You grew up with four sisters, so was ‘Practical Magic’ already familiar territory for you?Xolo Mariduena (Gideon): Oh yes, I was definitely familiar with the first Practical Magic. I have four sisters myself, so, when this opportunity presented itself, I think maybe they were more excited about this than anything else I’ve ever done. I did my due diligence and watched the movie again and really fell in love with this franchise all over again.What do you think makes ‘Practical Magic’ resonate so strongly with audiences, particularly its female fans?Xolo Mariduena: Oh man, there is this unapologetic joy that the whole original cast brought, but specifically the women. I think to have really fantastic women at the forefront of film, and the chemistry between this cast, the aunties and the daughters is so apparent and was one of the main things; it’s infectious, honestly.You’re one of the few men stepping into the Owens sisters’ world. Tell us about your character Gideon and his relationship with Kylie.Xolo Mariduena: This time around I’m getting to play Gideon—I’ve never played a Gideon before. And with Gideon, the thing that fascinates him the most and that thing that excites him the most is his love for Kylie. They’re going through their journey together at Harvard. Shout out to Harvard! “Mom, I made it—I got in!” That’s where we meet them and we get to cue in a little bit on the ins and outs of their relationship and their dynamic together.Your chemistry with Joey King feels very natural on screen. What was it like building that relationship with her?Xolo Mariduena: I appreciate you saying that. Joey has been such a pleasure to get to work with. I didn’t know anyone coming onto this set; it was a whole new family and that’s always the most exciting thing. But it’s also a little bit nerve-wracking. And Joey did the kindest thing in welcoming me with open arms. And from day one, from our table read, there was just an effortlessness in working with her. I really appreciate her for that. She’s a fantastic actor. I think that she stands toe-to-toe with all the Owens women. It was a pleasure.It’s also my first time working with Maisie—watching them, I feel like they’ve been sisters for years. I sometimes felt like a third wheel in the best way. Loved working with both of them.You had the unique experience of watching Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return to these iconic roles. What was it like seeing them back in action?Xolo Mariduena: I don’t think there are even words in the English dictionary to describe the presence that they bring. I just so vividly remember at the read when we finished the last page and everyone was clapping—all super happy—and they just got right into their producer heads, like, all right, this is what we’re going to do. Watching them act was a gift, but then to also see them as producers getting to craft this movie, protecting the characters. I mean, there is a sanctity to get to bring these characters, and I saw that the second they first walked through the door. From the moment they uttered their first lines in the script… awe-inspiring to witness their craft. They are by far two of the best women that I’ve had the privilege of working with. Their ability to navigate producing while being 100% down to play and riff and get into the nooks and crannies of these scenes, figuring what works and what doesn’t. It was humbling to sit alongside them.The film deals with magic, fate and destiny. How much of a believer are you in those things?Xolo Mariduena: I wouldn’t say I take it as seriously as anything else, you know. But I do believe in fate; I believe in destiny. Curses I would say… probably, although I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced a true proper curse. And I don’t hope to.