Disney Channel just released the first footage (watch above) of the new series,Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a continuation of the Emmy Award-winningWizards of Waverly Place, which previously starredSelena Gomez. The singer and actor will guest star in the new show and is executive producing. Back on May 14, she was a surprise attendant as Disney Upfront andrevealed the show’s logo and new images as well. Check them out below, along with everything about the show that we know so far.
The photos provide a glimpse of Gomez and David Henrie reprising their roles as Alex and Justin Russo. It also serves as an introduction to series lead Billie, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown, and the Russo family, played by Mimi Gianopulos (Giada Russo), Alkaio Thiele (Roman Russo) and Max Matenko (Milo Russo). Additionally, newcomer Taylor Cora has joined the regular series cast in the role of Winter, Billie’s bubbly, quirky and oversharing best friend; you can see an image of Taylor Cora here:
Check out the synopsis forWizards Beyond Waverly Placebelow:
“The series follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.”
Selena Gomez previously joined her formerWizards of Waverly Placecostars for a cast reunionin January, following the announcement that the series is getting a sequel. Shared on Instagram with the comment, “The Russos coming back,” Gomez joined David Henrie, David DeLuise and Maria Canals-Barrera for a family shot that almost brought the whole family together again. The only person missing from the group was Jack T. Austin, who plays Max in the series.
Wizards of Waverly Placeco-stars Gomez andDavid Henriewill reprise their roles in the Disney Channel sequel. Gomez will guest star in the pilot episode, while Henrie will appear as a series regular. Both are also tied to the project as executive producers. The sequel pilot was written by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (who also collaborated on theThat’s So RavenspinoffRaven’s Home).Elilnoff and Thomas also executive produce alongside Gary Marsh and Andy Fickman. Fickman is set to direct.
The original Wizards of Waverly Placeran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012. The Disney Channel sitcom followed the Russo siblings, Alex (Gomez), Justin (Henrie), and Max (Jake T. Austin), who must hone in and perfect their powers to compete for the title of next family wizard.The series centered on Gomez’s Alex, as she navigated her teenage years while concealing her magical powers. Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise also starred in the sitcom, which won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program. A television special,The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex,aired in 2013.
Wizards of Waverly Place
Selena Gomez and David Henrie Previously Shared News of Wizards of Waverly Place’s Return
Gomez and Henrie both confirmed news ofWizards of Waverly Placesequel series via social media. On an Instagram story, Gomez shared a picture of herself and Henrie from the original series, captioned, “We’re back.” Over on TikTok, Henrie shared a video with scenes from the original show and a picture of the pilot script.
After starring inWizards of Waverly Place,Henrie went on to star in another hit series:How I Met Your Mother,where he portrayed Ted Mosby’s future son, Luke. He also starred in several films, includingLittle BoyandWalt Before Mickey.
Gomez’s career was catapulted byWizards of Waverly Place. She released multiple successful albums, and continued expanding her acting career. She currently stars in Hulu’sOnly Murders in the Buildingalongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short. She has earned Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations (among others) forher portrayal of Mabel Mora. Gomez also hosts and executive produces HB Max’sSelena + Chef, where she is taught how to cook different meals by a weekly guest chef. The series, which launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlights a different charity each episode.
Gomez was the focus of the Alek Keshishian-directed documentarySelena Gomez: My Mind & Me. The film followed Gomez through 6 years of her life, and captured her dealing with her bipolar disorder diagnosis and lupus.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Placeis slated to premiere on Disney Channel and Disney+ in late 2024. The originalWizards of Waverly Placeis streaming on Disney+.
