I'm just going to say that I freaking called it for a Wizards of Waverly Place sequel/reboot/reunion. It's happening, and it’s coming out as part of the 2024 TV premiere schedule.
When it comes to some of the best Disney Channel shows – and one of the best shows to watch with kids on Disney+ overall – I can think of nothing better than Wizards of Waverly Place, and the show is hilarious and even funnier as an adult.
Well, here we are, where we know that a Wizards of Waverly Place sequel series that's in the works, titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. And this is what we know so far about it.
What Is The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Premiere Date?
When updating this in October 2024, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set to release on October 29th, 2024 on Disney Channel, but the first eight episodes also release on October 30th on Disney+, according to Disney.
Yes, it is seriously that soon, and what a perfect way to cap off spooky season.
The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Cast
While we know the details of what the show will be about, who can we expect to see star in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place? Here is what we know so far from Disney:
David Henrie as Justin Russo
David Henrie is set as a series regular for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, playing the same character he did in the original series, Justin Russo.
Henrie is primarily known for his role in the original show, but he has appeared in various other movies and TV series since, including Grown Ups 2, Little Boy, Walt Before Mickey, and more. In How I Met Your Mother, he also appeared in a recurring role and had guest appearances on Arrested Development, Mind Games, and more.
Selena Gomez as Alex Russo
It’s confirmed that Selena Gomez would return to her role as Alex Russo in the pilot episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, at least for a guest role.
Gomez will also be working as an executive producer, which was confirmed by the Deadline article, and she’s super excited for the reboot.
There’s been an ongoing narrative that Gomez would only appear in the first episode, but Justin Russo clarified to Deadline that Gomez would be guest-starring in several episodes of the first season in an interview in August 2024:
[Selena] in multiple episodes so I’m not sure why people keep saying she’s only in one…she’s amazing as her current self playing Alex. Like the moment before we did our first scene, we had this wonderful quiet moment and it was like we hadn’t missed a beat back in character. Her and I always had great chemistry and great timing and great flow. It didn’t go anywhere. It was right there. It was magic.
Gomez has appeared in various movies and TV shows since the original series ended, especially with her starring role in one of the best Hulu shows, Only Murders in the Building, but it'd be great to see her come back to this role.
Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie
Janice LeAnn Brown is going to play Billie, the wizard that Justin will have to teach to save the Wizard World. Brown is a young actress who has appeared in shows such as Best Foot Forward, Just Roll with It, Black-Ish, and more. She even played young Rue in the hit HBO show Euphoria, one of the best teen dramas.
Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo
Alkaio Thiele plays Roman Russo, Justin's son. The young actor has appeared in shows such as Call Me Kat, The Wingfeather Saga, and voices several characters in Spider and His Amazing Friends.
Max Mantenko As Milo Russo
Max Mentenko will play Milo Russo in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. The young actor is primarily known for his role in Platonic, and guest starred in shows like This Is Us and General Hospital.
Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo
In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Mimi Gianopulos plays Giada Russo, Justin's wife. The actress has appeared in movies such as What To Expect When You're Expecting, The Knight Before Christmas, Get a Job, and more.
Taylor Cora as Winter
Taylor Cora will play Winter in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. The young actress is known for her guest role in American Gangster: Trap Queens.
This is such exciting news for the whole cast – and Henrie himself even shared a behind-the-scenes photo with the main cast to show off his on-screen family on his Instagram stories (via Entertainment Weekly).
The Rest Of The Russos Will Be Back
While Alex and Justin were undoubtedly some of the best siblings on Disney Channel, it wouldn't be the Russos without Jerry, Theresa, and Max, the parents and the family's youngest sibling.
Nothing has been entirely confirmed by Disney, but that hasn’t stopped the former stars from posting about it. David DeLuise and Maria Canals-Barrera (Jerry and Theresa) were pictured when DeLuise posted about how excited he was on his Instagram to get back to work with the cast:
Then, according to Austin’s Instagram Story (via Entertainment Tonight) in January 2024, he confirmed he would also be back and looking forward to reuniting with his “wizards family.”
We're still unsure if Stone will return as Harper, Alex's best friend, but I doubt she'll be there if Alex isn't a main character in this new show. And Stone isn't even an actor anymore – she works as a nurse, so I'd be pretty shocked if she appeared in a significant role.
Check Out The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Trailer
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place finally has a trailer and it’s just as magical as the original show. It features all the new characters we’ll get to know, as well as our first look into the adult lives of Justin and Alex and yes, I am already ready to sit down and love every second of this magic. Check it out above.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Follows Justin Teaching A New Wizard His Powers After An Incident At WizTech
Thanks to the release of the trailer, Disney confirmed the plot of the new show. Justin has given up his life of wizardry to be with his mortal family, but one day, his sister, Alex, comes to his door asking for help with a young wizard named Billie, who she believes has immense potential – and could be the key to saving the Wizard World from doom.
Yes, that is the premise, and yes, I am already excited.
Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas Wrote The Pilot
The last thing we know from that Deadline article is that Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas wrote the pilot for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. This is significant news, as these two previously worked on another popular Disney sequel series – Raven's Home. The show, a sequel to That's So Raven, featured Raven as an adult in her home with her son, who could now also see the future. The series has run for six seasons, which is a long freaking run for a Disney Channel show, so you know that this reboot is going to be just as great if it goes to series.
This makes me want to do another Wizards of Waverly Place rewatch. I think it's time to return to the Russo household – is anyone else up for some wizard lessons?
