Selena Gomez and David Henrie weave more magic with “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”

Selena Gomez skyrocketed to fame as the witty and cunning Alex Russo in the beloved Disney Channel series, Wizards of Waverly Place. Now, she joins forces once more with David Henrie, who played her screen brother Justin, to bring the enchantment back to our screens with a much-anticipated revival.

Reconnecting over creativity

For years, Gomez and Henrie had casual get-togethers over wine, dreaming up what their characters might be up to if they aged along with them. “We kept talking about it,” Gomez shares at the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiere in Los Angeles. Henrie adds, “It was so organic. We never felt any pressure. It just came to a point where we were like, ‘Maybe we got something here.'”

A dream become reality

The two creative stars pitched their idea to Disney, and the revival titled Wizards Beyond sprang to life with a 21-episode first season. Not only do Gomez and Henrie star in the show, but they also serve as executive producers alongside Jed Elinoff, Scott Thomas, Andy Fickman, and Gary Marsh.

Building a culture of family

Behind the scenes, Gomez and Henrie’s leadership fosters a familial atmosphere. Henrie praises Gomez, saying, “I talk a lot about Selena’s humility to the cast – if she can do it, anyone can do it.” For Gomez, the show holds sentimental value: “Part of that journey is having people like David in my life who are honest and can love me for me. I just want to provide that for the next generation.”

A new era of wizards

In the premiere, Gomez’s Alex reconnects with Henrie’s Justin, as she introduces him to powerful young wizard Billie, played by Janice LeAnn Brown. Justin takes Billie under his wing, and the Russos become Billie’s found family. The ensemble cast also features Justin’s sons Milo and Roman, his wife Giada, and Billie’s friend Winter.

Gomez is excited to see fans embrace Billie as they once embraced Alex. “What’s wonderful is that it’s actually so separate from me, but it ties so closely to Alex. And I think there’s something really unique about that,” she says.

Embracing a new generation

Henrie shares the deeper goal of the reboot: “A lot of creating the reboot was about passing the wand to a new generation. I really want this show to be a big, warm hug to the original fans and an invitation to new viewers.”

Gomez chimes in, echoing sentiments of inclusivity, “We wanted it to be collectively for everyone. We want it to be fresh.”

Red carpet reunion

The premiere wasn’t just about the show – it was about celebrating a legacy. Several actors from other hit Disney classics made their appearances, including former Wizards of Waverly Place stars Gregg Sulkin and Maria Canals-Barrera, as well as faces from Hannah Montana and High School Musical.

Sulkin praises Henrie as a role model: “I’m really happy for the new child stars, that they have David on set every day. He’s kept his feet on the ground whilst also remaining extremely driven and ambitious.”

Words of wisdom

Sulkin offers sage advice: “It’s important to be surrounded by a good infrastructure, whether that’s family or good friends who genuinely have your best interests at heart.” He stresses the significance of staying grounded and kind to all cast and crew members.

Steering the ship

Danielle Fishel, known for her roles in Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World, directed two episodes of the revival. “What makes a reboot successful are adult leaders who create a safe space for the children on the show to shine and find their own instincts and characters,” Fishel says.

Fishel was eager to join Gomez and Henrie: “Although I’m significantly older than both of them, I look up to them and their careers.”

Legacy of Disney stars

Fishel reflects on how Disney shows often launch impressive careers, drawing parallels to her former co-star Sabrina Carpenter, who is flourishing in the music industry. “I knew from the moment I met her that every dream she had was going to come true,” she notes.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premieres Tuesday on Disney Channel and is available for streaming on Disney+ and Disney on Demand starting Wednesday.

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