Hollywood’s biggest fantasy worlds are getting a new generation of stars. Joey King and Xolo Maridueña are entering major franchises at a moment when studios are betting heavily on familiar universes and fresh faces.
The timing is especially notable. King and Maridueña appear together in Practical Magic 2, while Maridueña is also preparing to join Netflix’s ONE PIECE as Portgas D. Ace.
Joey King Steps Into the Magic
King takes on Kylie Owens in Practical Magic 2, joining Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in the long-awaited continuation of the supernatural story.
The sequel gives King more than a supporting role. Kylie becomes central to the new generation of the Owens family, placing the actress inside a franchise with an established fan base.
Variety’s coverage describes King and Maisie Williams as the new generation of Owens sisters.
That transition matters because legacy sequels face a difficult challenge. They must satisfy longtime audiences while giving younger characters enough importance to create a future.
Xolo Maridueña Has Multiple Worlds to Explore
Maridueña arrives with a different advantage. He has already played Jaime Reyes in DC’s Blue Beetle, giving him experience carrying a major comic-book property. DC’s official movie page confirms his starring role as both Jaime Reyes and Blue Beetle.
Now, he is moving deeper into fantasy territory. In Practical Magic 2, he plays Gideon, Kylie’s love interest. The character becomes closely tied to the film’s central supernatural conflict.
Then comes an even bigger opportunity. Netflix has cast Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace in ONE PIECE Season 3. Netflix Tudum confirmed the casting after production began in South Africa.
Why These Roles Carry Huge Stakes
Franchise casting is no longer simply about landing a recognizable character. Young actors must connect with existing fans while helping studios build long-term audience loyalty.
King brings experience across comedy, drama, action, and fantasy. Her earlier work includes The Act, The Kissing Booth films, and fantasy projects. Meanwhile, Maridueña has moved from Cobra Kai to superhero cinema and now international fantasy adventure.
His Blue Beetle experience also gives him familiarity with franchise expectations and global fan communities.
The Next Generation Is Taking Over
Practical Magic 2 demonstrates how Hollywood can pass a beloved fantasy property to younger characters without completely abandoning its original stars. Variety’s franchise coverage highlights King, Maridueña, Williams, and Lee Pace among the sequel’s new additions.
Meanwhile, ONE PIECE offers Maridueña an opportunity to enter one of streaming’s most ambitious live-action fantasy adaptations. Netflix says Season 3 is scheduled to arrive in 2027.
For King and Maridueña, these roles could become defining career chapters. For Hollywood, they represent something equally important: a test of whether fresh talent can carry enormous fantasy worlds into their next era.
Explore Blue Beetle’s official franchise universe, and follow Netflix’s latest ONE PIECE updates as these new franchise chapters develop.
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