In an enchanting turn of events for fans of the beloved series, “Wizards of Waverly Place,” Disney Branded Television has announced a much-anticipated sequel. The pilot order for this follow-up marks a significant move by the network, tapping into the nostalgia of a generation who grew up with the Russo family’s magical escapades.
Leading the charge are original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie, stepping into their roles as executive producers. Henrie will also reprise his role as Justin Russo, now a central character in the series, while Gomez is set to guest star in the pilot, reviving the character of Alex Russo, which was a pivotal role in launching her illustrious career.
This revival brings fresh faces to the beloved magical world. Janice LeAnn Brown, known for her role in Disney’s “Just Roll with It,” Alkaio Thiele from “Call Me Kat,” and Mimi Gianopulos from “American Princess,” join the cast, adding new layers to the enchanting narrative.
The sequel’s plot picks up after a mysterious incident at WizTech, the renowned wizarding school from the original series. An adult Justin Russo, who has chosen a normal human life over his wizarding heritage, finds his past catching up with him. A powerful young wizard, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown, arrives in need of guidance, forcing Justin to confront his magical legacy for the sake of the Wizard World’s future.
The script for this magical revival comes from the talented duo Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, the brains behind the Disney Channel comedy spinoff, “Raven’s Home.” Their involvement promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, building on their successful track record in the Disney universe.
David Henrie, in an Instagram post, excitedly shared the news, stating, “The Russos are excited to become a part of your family, once again, but we’ve grown. 2024, the year magic comes back!” This announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm from fans and the entertainment community alike.
Variety reports that in addition to Henrie’s executive production role, the series will explore the life of Justin Russo post-WizTech, detailing his journey with his wife, played by Mimi Gianopulos, and their two sons, one portrayed by Alkaio Thiele.
Behind the scenes, Andy Fickman, known for his work on “Paul Blart” and “She’s the Man,” joins as the director and executive producer of the pilot. The project also sees the involvement of Disney Channels Worldwide President Gary Marsh in an executive producing capacity.
Adding to the excitement, David DeLuise, who played the Russo patriarch in the original series, hinted at his enthusiasm in a comment on Henrie’s Instagram post. DeLuise, who currently hosts the “Wizards of Waverly Pod” with Jennifer Stone, celebrated the news of the sequel.
Selena Gomez, currently starring in “Only Murders in the Building” and set to portray Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic, expressed her sentiments on rejoining the “Wizards of Waverly Place” world. In a recent appearance on the “Wizards of Waverly Pod,” she shared her regrets about losing touch with her co-stars from the show, calling it one of her biggest mistakes.
This revival of “Wizards of Waverly Place” not only signifies a return to a cherished story but also marks a reunion of sorts for the original cast and crew. As the magic of the Russo family prepares to enchant a new generation, fans old and new can look forward to a spellbinding journey back to Waverly Place.
The anticipation for this sequel highlights the enduring appeal of the series and the Russo family’s adventures. With a blend of nostalgia, new twists, and a commitment to the magic that originally captivated viewers, Disney Channel’s revival promises to be a spellbinding addition to its programming lineup in 2024.
