Natural born-entertainer and Los Angeles native Belissa Escobedo stars as Izzy in Hocus Pocus 2, sequel to the 1993 Halloween classic, which has premiered on Disney+. Previously seen in The Baker and the Beauty, American Horror Story, and Sex Appeal, the 24-year-old star will also play as Milagros Reyes in DC's upcoming film Blue Beetle.

The actress talks about her inspiration for the role, the experience of working amongst legendary actors, and her aspirational trajectory in the industry.

When did you first know you wanted to act?

I think for the longest time I just loved entertaining people including my friends, my parents’ friends, and teachers. I would tell cheesy jokes or do dance moves I learned from Missy Elliot’s videos. I loved knowing that I made someone laugh, even if it was more of a “that little girl is so odd” kind of laugh. It wasn’t until elementary school that I realized I could do all of that as a career, spend my life bringing characters to life. I would act out Hannah Montana episodes with my friends at school or make YouTube videos of my own talk show, with me as the host and the guest. Fifth grade was the first time I acted in a production, the school’s musical, and when I got off that stage I felt something inside me click, like I was waiting for this last piece to fall into place. I felt whole and I felt seen. I’ll be chasing that feeling forever, and I’m lucky enough that I can.

Let’s talk about Hocus Pocus 2. What was it like to be a part of this highly-anticipated sequel and what initially drew you to the project?

The experience was (and still is) surreal. There truly is no other word for what it feels like to act alongside the most iconic, most talented actors. Ones I grew up watching and never even thought it was a possibility at the time, to be sharing a screen with them. Every single person in this movie brought their whole (hilarious) selves to set each day. I grew up watching Hocus Pocus every single year during the Halloween season. We’d throw these Halloween parties before going out trick-o-treating and I just remember Hocus Pocus always being on the TV. Its mine and my mom’s favorite movie, so to be able to be in the sequel and enter that world… it’s mind boggling.

Where did you draw inspiration for the role of Izzy?

I definitely took some inspiration from Mary, her ability to joke in the craziest of situations, and her hilariously ironic optimism that never fades. I also drew some inspiration from my younger cousins, who have made sure to keep me in the loop of what’s cool and totally not cool for a 15 year old now.

What do you think younger audiences who haven’t seen the original film will take away from watching the sequel?

The biggest takeaway from the movie I think is the power of sisterhood and the strength that your sisters can bring out of you. Friendship and love go hand in hand and I think this movie shows how deep and unbreakable the bond can be between friends/sisters, and how it remains eternal, even when you’re in hibernation for 30+ years.

You also star in DC’s upcoming film Blue Beetle, which features an incredible Latino cast and are giving a voice to a lot of young girls who are perhaps seeing themselves reflected on screen — how does that feel?

So so so so EXCITED for everybody to see Blue Beetle. Its a privilege to be able to give to the younger generation what I so desperately needed to see growing up, someone who looked like me, like my mom, like my tios, sounded just like my Abuelita. Hearing and seeing yourself on screen is the assurance that we are not alone. We are not less than, our stories are not “too intense”, we are not “exotic.” We are here, we are SUPERHEROS we always have been. Now the world is witnessing our stories and we are making sure they are listening.

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

No matter how hard people tell you it’s going to be, how unlikely you think it is that you’ll be able to do it, don’t stop going after your dreams. Don’t stop doing what you love, what makes you feel like your complete self. Don’t live for others, live for you and live for that little kid who would do anything to be where you are today.

What would be your dream project—is there a particular type of role that you’d like to tap into in the future?

I’ve become obsessed with horror movies which I know is totally opposite from the work that I’ve been doing, but I think it would be a great challenge for me. (And fake blood seems like a lot of fun)