Wizards of Waverly Place: A magical reunion
A nostalgic return
It’s been over a decade since “Wizards of Waverly Place” wrapped up its enchanting journey in 2012. Yet, with the launch of the spinoff, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”, it feels as though no time has passed for stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie.
Selena Gomez shared her excitement at the “Only Murders in the Building” Season 4 premiere in Hollywood, saying, “It felt like I was home again. I’m so happy I got to bring back this childhood gift that I was given to new little ones out there.”
The unexpected revival
When the original series concluded, Gomez never imagined reprising her role as Alex Russo. However, the allure of the spinoff has her hoping for a multi-season run. “We don’t know, but if people like it, we’ll see,” she remarked.
David Henrie, who returns as Alex’s brother Justin, revealed the genesis of the spinoff. “Selena and I and my wife spent so much time over the years drinking wine and talking about where the characters would be. We looked at each other at one point and said, ‘I think we have a show. I think we should go talk to Disney about this.’ And we did. It took years of development to get it exactly where it needed to be.”
A labor of love
Henrie emphasized the passion behind the project, stating, “It came out of a place of love. The number one thing Selena gets asked about even today is ‘Wizards.’ It’s a show that meant a lot to a lot of people.”
The spinoff was officially announced during Disney’s 2024 upfront presentation in May. Alongside the announcement, images showcasing the grown-up versions of Alex and Justin, as well as new Russo family members, were released.
Reuniting on set
Reflecting on the experience of working with Gomez again, Henrie described it as surreal. ”It was bonkers. It was unspoken but we were behind a door and heard, ‘Action,’ we looked at one another and were like, ‘This is crazy.’ It was like a day hadn’t passed in 12 years. We were right back to where we were.”
“Wizards: Beyond Waverly Place” follows an adult Justin, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos), Roman (Alkaio Thiele), and Milo (Max Matenko). When Alex brings Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) to his home seeking help, Justin agrees to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.
The future of the wizarding world
Henrie is optimistic about the potential for more seasons. “It’s such a fertile universe. You could do so much.”
Interestingly, Henrie is using his original wand in the spinoff. When the show ended in 2012, producers gave the wands framed in glass as wrap presents to the cast. “I was like, I am gonna break this sucker out again,” Henrie said.
A magical journey continues
For fans of the original series, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and new adventures. The chemistry between Gomez and Henrie remains as captivating as ever, promising a magical journey that both old and new fans will cherish.
For those eager to dive back into the wizarding world, check out the trailer for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and get ready to be spellbound once again.