The Disney Channel has waved its magic wand once again, ordering a pilot for a Wizards of Waverly Place sequel. Brace yourselves, as Selena Gomez and David Henrie are all set to reprise their iconic roles as Alex and Justin Russo.
Henrie took to Instagram to share the exciting news, expressing the Russo siblings’ eagerness to become a part of fans’ families once more. “2024, the year magic comes back!” he proclaimed. The potential series, executive-produced by Henrie, promises a captivating continuation of the Russo saga.
According to Variety, the sequel will unfold after a mysterious incident at WizTech prompts Justin Russo to leave his wizard powers behind for a normal human life. He now shares this life with his wife, played by Mimi Gianopulos, and their two sons, portrayed by Alkaio Thiele. The plot takes an enchanting turn when a powerful young wizard, played by Janice LeAnn Brown, seeks Justin’s guidance, compelling him to embrace his magical past for the future of the Wizard World.
Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, the creative minds behind Raven’s Home, will write and executive-produce the Wizards pilot. Joining them in the executive producer lineup are Henrie, Gomez, and Disney Channels Worldwide President Gary Marsh. The pilot will be directed and executive-produced by Andy Fickman, known for his work on Paul Blart and She’s the Man.
The announcement sparked a wave of excitement among fans, with David DeLuise, who portrayed the Russo dad, playfully questioning if it’s a “reboot” on Henrie’s Instagram post. The anticipation for familiar faces to return is high, leaving fans speculating about the potential comeback of characters like Max Russo (played by Jake T. Austin) and Theresa Russo (portrayed by Maria Canals Barrera).
Selena Gomez, known for her diverse roles in Only Murders in the Building and her upcoming portrayal of Linda Ronstadt in a biopic, had previously expressed regret about losing touch with her Wizards co-stars. In a heartfelt admission on the Wizards of Waverly Pod, Gomez confessed that not staying connected with her fellow cast members was one of her biggest mistakes.
“I think I slowly became kind of shamed. I felt ashamed of the decisions that I made,” shared Gomez during her podcast appearance. “I didn’t want you guys to see me in the state that I was in because A, you would have told me the truth, which terrifies me, and B, I didn’t want to let you down.”
As the Disney magic unfolds once more, fans eagerly await further details about which beloved characters will reprise their roles, adding an extra layer of mystery to this enchanting sequel. Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey down memory lane as Wizards of Waverly Place returns to sprinkle a bit of magic into our lives in 2024.
