“This is where it all started. We are home,” says actress-singer Selena Gomez to David Henrie in a behind-the-scenes video from the set of Wizards of Waverly Place sequel Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, dropped by the show’s official social media handles on Saturday.
“Grab your wands and get ready to return to the magic. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is coming soon to #DisneyChannel and #DisneyPlus,” the makers wrote alongside the video on Instagram on Saturday.
Gomez reprises her role as Alex Russo from the 2007 fantasy teen comedy series in the sequel, while Henrie returns as her on-screen brother Justin Russo.
“Who remembers the original Wizards of Waverly Place,” Henrie asks the crowd of spectators, prompting loud cheers from the audience.
The BTS video also features newcomers Janice LeAnn Brown (as Billie), Alkaio Thiele (as Roman Russo), Max Matenko (as Milo Russo), Taylor Cora (as Winter) and Mimi Gianopulos (as Giada Russo). “Billie is stubborn and rebellious,” says Gomez. “Looks like someone else I know,” Henrie retorts suggestively, eliciting laughter from the audience.
The video also shows Alex and Billie stepping through a magical portal into Justin’s house. Billie uses her powers to scramble eggs, make a burrito appear out of nowhere and more. Additionally, David DeLuise, who starred in the original series as the Russos’ father Jerry, makes an appearance in the first-look video. As of now, Gomez is only expected to guest star in the first episode.
Created by Todd J. Greenwald, Wizards of Waverly Place aired on Disney Channel for four seasons from October 2007 to January 2012. The series follows the lives of three wizard siblings — Alex, Justin and Max Russo (played by Jake T. Austin) — who live in an apartment on Waverly Place in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
While the first and second seasons focussed on the siblings navigating challenges in their everyday world, the third and fourth seasons delved into a family competition. The final season shows Alex winning the competition, and Justin assuming the position of headmaster at WizTech, a boarding school for aspiring young wizards. Max became the manager of the family's sandwich shop, successfully attracting investments from the wizarding community.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place will reportedly pick up from this point, as the now grown-up Justin is faced with a challenge that requires him to make a crucial decision.
Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with executive producers Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez and Henrie. Andy Fickman directed and executive-produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes.
The series is slated to premiere on Disney Channel and Disney+ later in 2024.
