From wine nights<\/strong> to serious meetings, former “Wizards of Waverly Place” co-stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie have transformed casual reunions into a major TV revival project. Reflecting on what their characters, Alex and Justin Russo, would be up to in present times, the idea for a reboot slowly came to life.<\/p>\n “And then, at a certain point, I called Selena and said, ‘Hey, I want to take this to Disney. Should we do this?'” recalled Henrie with enthusiasm. It\u2019s no exaggeration to say that \u201cWizards of Waverly Place,\u201d which captivated global audiences before concluding in 2012, still resonates in the hearts of many fans. The series, centered on magically gifted siblings, launched Gomez into superstardom<\/strong> and remains a beloved show among young audiences.<\/p>\n Due to the creative spark ignited from those wine nights and Disney’s eagerness to rediscover the show’s magic, fans will again join the Russos in their newest adventures in the sequel series, “Wizards beyond Waverly Place”<\/strong>. Mark your calendars for its premiere on October 29 on Disney Channel, with streaming available on Disney+ and Disney on Demand the following day. David Henrie will star while Selena Gomez will make guest appearances; both actors also serve as executive producers.<\/p>\n Reflecting on their new venture, Henrie highlighted their mutual desire to retain the original spirit of the series<\/strong>. “So, you need to bring back familial values. It needs to be funny. It needs to be for kids. We didn\u2019t want an edgy, single-cam reimagining. We wanted to preserve the heart and humor,” he explained.<\/p>\n The new series is a multi-camera sitcom, which sees a now mortal Justin Russo settled in Staten Island with a wife and two sons. The premiere introduces Alex bringing a tween wizard, Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), whose fate is intertwined with the world\u2019s destiny. Justin becomes her mentor while Alex investigates just how powerful Billie is in the Wizard World. The show is helmed by Scott Thomas and Jed Elinoff, who previously co-created Disney\u2019s successful reboot, “Raven\u2019s Home”<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The revival kicks off with a younger cast compared to the original, with Justin\u2019s sons (played by Alkaio Thiele and Max Matenko), Billie and her friend Winter (Taylor Cora) taking the central roles. This demographic targeting, with kids aged six to eleven in mind, was a deliberate choice to preserve the show\u2019s innocence and wide-eyed wonder<\/strong>.<\/p>\n “It allows us to focus on telling kids’ stories in a purely innocent way,” said one of the executive producers. The creators are excited to let the audience grow with this new cast, promising a fun progression over time.<\/p>\n Henrie stressed the importance of balancing between old and new fans: \u201cI really wanted it to be 50\/50. The old fan\u2019s gonna watch it and go, \u2018OK, this is something where they\u2019re definitely holding my hand and giving me a big hug.\u2019 But this is really meant for a new generation.” The show aims to introduce fresh storylines while carrying beloved references from the original series.<\/p>\n Another notable aspect of the new series is Henrie\u2019s mentorship role. Deeply committed to the well-being of the young cast, Henrie has leveraged his extensive experience in the industry to foster a supportive and stress-free environment. Disney has also implemented safeguards for child actors, including seminars and therapists \u2014 resources Henrie wished had been available during his own early career.<\/p>\n A dialogue coach who guides the young actors in their weekly scripts also bridges communications between the production team and the young cast. This ensures a fair, smooth, and comprehensible approach to notes, crucial for many first-time actors.<\/p>\n Henrie and Gomez aimed to recreate the familial atmosphere behind the scenes akin to the original series days. Pranks from the old set, like kicking someone’s knee as they looked away, have been reintroduced, fostering a jovial spirit among the new cast. “It felt like I was home again,\u201d Gomez shared, reflecting on reviving these beloved traditions.<\/p>\n Both Henrie and Gomez emphasize the importance of creating a positive and nurturing environment on set. Henrie\u2019s experience and effort to only bring forward the best of the industry\u2019s practices aim to ensure the child actors find their journey enjoyable and stress-free.<\/p>\n Henrie, a seasoned actor himself, spoke to the shifts in the industry, introducing mental health talks and providing a supportive production environment. Henrie\u2019s historical insights into the pressures of child acting underscore the robust support system now in place for the new cast.<\/p>\n With a whopping 21 episodes already ordered for the first season, Disney is confident in the show\u2019s appeal to both nostalgic audiences and a new generation of fans. Aimed at fostering long-term engagement, the series promises continuous enjoyment and growth with its young stars.<\/p>\n Will “Wizards beyond Waverly Place” captivate the cultural zeitgeist and inspire a new wave of Disney stars, much like \u201cHigh School Musical\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cBluey\u201d<\/strong>? Only time will tell, but the magical combination of nostalgic love and fresh storytelling assures viewers of an enchanting journey ahead.<\/p>\n Experience the magic, share these memories with your loved ones, and stay tuned for more magical updates by following us on our journey. The heirs of the magic must carry the torch forward, and we are here to witness it unfold.<\/p>\n The recreated magical realm of “Wizards beyond Waverly Place” beckons old fans and new adventurers alike. Get ready for laughs, heartwarming moments, and a sprinkle of magic!# Reimagining the Russo Magic: ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’<\/p>\n After countless quiet evenings of reminiscing, former \u201cWizards of Waverly Place\u201d co-stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie have brought their whimsical musings to life. What started as informal chats over wine has now evolved into the highly anticipated reboot, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”<\/strong>. This time, the magic returns with freshly spun narratives and a dash of nostalgia.<\/p>\n \u201cOne night, I just picked up the phone and called Selena. I told her, \u2018Hey, let\u2019s take this to Disney. Should we go for it?\u2019\u201d<\/em> Henrie remembered. The original show, which ended in 2012, had left an indelible mark, captivating young viewers with the adventures of the magically inclined Russo siblings. Henrie and Gomez\u2019s return aims to reclaim that lost magic while introducing it to a new generation.<\/p>\n Thanks to Disney\u2019s eagerness and the duo\u2019s passion, we can now expect “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”<\/strong> to premiere just in time for Halloween on October 29. The sequel promises to catch up with the Russos, offering a seamless blend of heartwarming comedy and familial values\u2014an echo of its predecessor.<\/p>\n Henrie emphasized the importance of maintaining the essence of the original series<\/strong>. \u201cWe wanted to go back to what made the original show great\u2014its humor, its heart, and its familial values. We didn\u2019t want to turn it into an edgy, single-cam experience.\u201d<\/p>\n The reboot is set as a multi-camera sitcom featuring a now mortal Justin Russo living in Staten Island. Alex, portrayed by Gomez, brings a young wizard, Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), into Justin\u2019s world, entangling her in a destiny of great significance. Executive producers Scott Thomas and Jed Elinoff, who successfully co-created Disney\u2019s “Raven\u2019s Home”<\/strong>, are once again at the helm.<\/p>\n One notable shift in the sequel is the younger cast<\/strong> featuring Justin\u2019s sons, Billie, and her friend Winter. This decision allows the show to retain an innocence and a sense of wonder, steering clear of teenage angst and romance.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about taking kids back to that wide-eyed wonder, the magic you feel before high school brings in complexities like crushes and romance,\u201d<\/em> one of the executive producers explained. This makes the show\u2019s new adventures accessible to children aged six to eleven, as well as their parents.<\/p>\n Achieving a perfect blend for both veteran fans and new viewers is crucial. Henrie assured, \u201cIt\u2019s a 50\/50 blend. Old fans will get the warm hug of nostalgia while we introduce new viewers to this enchanting world.\u201d<\/em> The series aims to balance time-honored references with new story arcs to make both demographics feel catered to.<\/p>\n Henrie has taken a mentorship role<\/strong>, aiming to shield the young cast from the pitfalls of early fame. Reflecting on his own experiences, he acknowledged that conversations about stress and mental health were nonexistent in his childhood acting days. \u201cNowadays, there are resources, and we\u2019re committed to making sure these kids feel supported,\u201d<\/em> Henrie said, referring to Disney\u2019s modern safeguards like therapy sessions and child-actor seminars.<\/p>\n A dialogue coach on set assists the youngsters in learning their lines and acts as a vital communication bridge between the crew and the young actors. This nurturing environment fosters a positive atmosphere that hopefully aids the child actors in flourishing without the burden of undue stress.<\/p>\n Reviving the spirit of the original show goes beyond on-screen magic. Behind the scenes, Henrie has rekindled playful traditions, such as pranking fellow cast members by tapping the back of their knees. The new cast has also embraced a classic ritual of signing the lair, a tradition passed down from Gomez and Henrie.<\/p>\n Gomez expressed heartfelt joy over the reboot: \u201cShooting this series felt like coming home. Sharing this gift with a new generation is incredibly fulfilling.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The creative team has ensured that the sets and props mirror the original series. The wizards’ lair has been meticulously recreated, and familiar locations, like the middle school named after the original show’s creator, offer nostalgic comfort to seasoned fans. Even when Alex is off-screen, her presence feels poignant as the storyline ties her intimately to Justin\u2019s current experiences and the new generation of wizards.<\/p>\n The decision to bring back “Wizards” is a timely one. A beloved Disney live-action franchise, its essence remains powerful among fans young and old. The love for the series continues to flourish, with Gomez and Henrie stepping up to enrich the revival, lending support and creative input which makes this reboot much more than a mere extension of the original series.<\/p>\n With an initial 21-episode order, an unusual commitment in the streaming age, the \u201cWizards Beyond\u201d project demonstrates Disney\u2019s confidence in its appeal. When discussing what success looks like, projects like \u201cHigh School Musical\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cBluey\u201d<\/strong> were cited as benchmarks\u2014franchises that transcended their original platforms to become cultural phenomena.<\/p>\n At the heart of this resurgence is Janice LeAnn Brown, who steps into a role reminiscent of Gomez\u2019s Alex but with a twist unique to her own storyline. Brown, who audiences might recognize from smaller roles, now finds herself at the center of a potentially career-defining series. Selena Gomez even shared some insightful advice with her: \u201cStay true to yourself, no matter what anyone says about your performance.\u201d<\/em> For Brown, the journey of her character, Billie, resonates personally\u2014drawing parallels to her own experiences of finding family and acceptance.<\/p>\n The ongoing success of shows like “Raven\u2019s Home”<\/strong> suggests that multi-season opportunities are on the horizon, contingent on viewer reception. The creative minds behind ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ have already laid out plans for a second season, hoping to grow and evolve the series further as the cast matures.<\/p>\n The reboot aims to capture the innocence and charm that were the bedrock of the original. A found Facebook post inviting friends to watch the series finale humorously underscores the timeless appeal of these magical narratives. \u201cThis is not a sleepover!\u201d<\/em> reads the parenthetical in the event details, capturing the unique cultural imprint left by the original show.<\/p>\n “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” brings back the beloved magic, ready to charm both loyal fans and curious new viewers. Expand your love for the Russo family by sharing these fresh adventures, and stay tuned for more updates from this magical world. The story continues, enchanted as ever. <\/p>\n Explore the series trailer and let the enchantment unfold as we dive back into the magical world that captured our imaginations years ago.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Selena Gomez and David Henrie are reviving Disney magic with “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” premiering Oct. 29. The sequel explores the lives of Alex and Justin Russo, bringing back beloved characters and introducing new youthful faces<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13880,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tv-series"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13878"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13878\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movieetv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Bringing back the Russos<\/h2>\n
Creating a heartfelt revival<\/h2>\n
Embracing a younger cast<\/h2>\n
Catering to old and new fans<\/h2>\n
On-set mentorship and protection<\/h2>\n
Sustaining old traditions<\/h2>\n
Ensuring a positive experience for the cast<\/h2>\n
Looking ahead<\/h2>\n
\nFrom casual chats to grand ideas<\/h2>\n
Creating a magical sequel<\/h2>\n
Staying true to the roots<\/h2>\n
A youthful cast with innocent charm<\/h2>\n
Balancing old fans and new viewers<\/h2>\n
On-set mentorship and mental wellness<\/h2>\n
Charming traditions and playful pranks<\/h2>\n
Maintaining authenticity and emotional touch<\/h2>\n
Strategic revival timing<\/h2>\n
A promising first season with high hopes<\/h2>\n
New talent in the spotlight<\/h2>\n
A fresh era of enchantment<\/h2>\n
Sharing the magic, old and new<\/h2>\n