After greenlighting the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place reboot, David Henrie and Selena Gomez had a specific goal in mind.
When David Henrie and Selena Gomez decided to bring back the magic of Wizards of Waverly Place, they had a specific goal in mind. After pitching the reboot Wizards Beyond Waverly Place for years, they aimed to recreate the strong sense of family that was present in the original show. Henrie, who portrayed Justin Russo in the original series, emphasized that this goal was a priority for both him and Gomez.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Henrie explained, “It was Selena’s and my goal from the very beginning to recreate that same culture primarily in the workplace, where everyone could feel like family.” He continued, “We were a family on and off camera in the original series, and that’s what made it special.”
While working on the reboot, Henrie and Gomez were determined to cultivate that close-knit atmosphere with a new cast. Henrie expressed how pleased they were with the new group of young actors. “Our cast is incredible,” Henrie said. “We feel like a seasoned show where everyone is comfortable. There’s a loving atmosphere and a great culture on set.”
This family dynamic served as the foundation for the new series, which picks up after a mysterious event at WizTech that led Justin Russo to leave his wizard life behind. In the reboot, Justin is enjoying a normal life with his wife and two sons until a young wizard in need of training disrupts his routine.
Henrie highlighted that the connection among the cast was crucial to making the show compelling to watch. “There’s an atmosphere of love and support, and we accomplished that. I believe you’ll feel that on screen,” he remarked.
In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, viewers will be introduced to a new set of characters, such as Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie, a young wizard seeking Justin’s guidance. Alongside Henrie on screen are Alkaio Thiele as Justin’s eldest son, Roman, and Max Matenko as his youngest son, Milo.
Mimi Gianopulos portrays Justin’s wife, Giada. These fresh faces were specifically chosen to infuse new energy into the show while maintaining the familial vibe of the original series.
This fresh storyline blends nostalgia with fresh challenges, creating an exciting world for both longtime fans and newcomers. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set to premiere on Disney Channel on Tuesday, October 29, at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available for streaming on Disney+.
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