Meet Marco, played by Taylor Zakhar Perez.
Long-distance relationships are hard even for the strongest of couples.
And yes, the titular kissing booth returns to inspire more shocking romantic declarations.Duh.
Credit: Marcos Cruz/Netflix
But how didThe Kissing BoothandThe Kissing Booth 2writer-director Vince Marcello find someone who could compete with Elordi’s Flynn?
Soon after, he officially landed the role of Marco.
“More guys should be like Marco,” Perez says.
Taylor Zakhar Perez in ‘The Kissing Booth 2’.Marcos Cruz/Netflix
In Elle’s own words, he’s not just a snack but the whole entire meal.
Are you ready for that kind of attention and adoration?
TAYLOR ZAKHAR PEREZ:[Laughs] So weird!
Marcos Cruz/Netflix
For years you work in this profession just trying to get a job.
No matter what it is, you’re playing a waiter or fitness instructor.
And you’re like, “I just want a good job.”
I’m fine with it.
I can’t wait to do more movies and keep diversifying.
You said it yourself, your whole life is going to change when this movie comes out.
Did you anticipate that while you were filming?
I didn’t really think about it until people started asking me about it.
Even Joey was like, “Just wait, Tay, it’s going to get crazy.”
I laughed and kind of scoffed like, “Yeah, okay.”
I’m not looking forward so much to it, but I’m not against it.
Yeah, I always liken it to Jacob and Edward, that kind of polarization inTwilight.
I’m just bringing this character to life.
People just want to pick fights.
Everyone is a king of the castle at their computer.
But bring it out to the open forum and let’s see how tough you are.
But it’s a YA novel, so I’m not worried too worried about it.
I have always been pretty Team Marco.
I mean, I guess I’m biased because that’s who I play.
I was able to step back and have good conversations with Vince and Joey about it.
Even in the first movie, Elle and Noah, we’ve seen similar relationships in the YA genre.
What’s a little bit less out there is that relationship with Elle and Marco.
It’s just very transparent and supportive.
It’s cool to see that.
Did you watchThe Kissing Boothback when it first came out?
I didn’t watch the first movie until about my third audition.
I had no idea that it was a sequel toThe Kissing Booth.
I had no idea whatThe Kissing Boothwas.
I didn’t know who Joey or Joel [Courtney] were.
I went in very blind to this.
What did you think of it when you finally saw it?
I love how it pays homage to John Hughes, it has elements ofGreasein it.
It’s such a throwback, and I just thought Joey was freaking adorable.
At what point did you start to realize how big the fan base is?
And I was like, “Oh, what do I have in store for me?
Oh my gosh.”
And I would just take the pictures.
I’m like, “I’ll take your pictures.”
[Laughs] I became their personal photographer while we were in airports, which is kind of funny.
Yeah, I did.
I was really nervous.
We traveled for 27 hours together.
And she was just glowing.
She was like most beautiful thing, and so kind and open and fun.
Right off the bat Joey and I had really great chemistry, and we just hit it off.
What was it like building Marco and Elle’s dynamic?
Joey has the smallest ego I don’t think she has an ego.
She’s very powerful and always gives 100 percent on her end.
She’s tearing up at the table just reading through the script.
She’s always so present for all the other actors.
What it was like bringing a musical element to the sequel with all Marco’s performances?
I think it came out really well.
