In a spellbinding announcement that is sure to delight fans, the beloved TV series “Wizards of Waverly Place” is set to conjure a magical return to the small screen with a sequel. The show, which enchanted audiences during its initial run, is preparing to reintroduce viewers to the supernatural escapades of the Russo family. People magazine has confirmed that Selena Gomez and David Henrie, who previously starred as the wizarding siblings Alex and Justin Russo, are officially on board to reprise their roles for the much-anticipated follow-up to the Disney Channel hit series.
At 31, Gomez is set to make a special guest appearance in the pilot episode as Alex Russo, the wisecracking and often rebellious middle child of the Russo clan. Meanwhile, Henrie, now 34, is confirmed to take on his role as a series regular, playing the part of Justin Russo, the responsible older brother who previously held the mantle of family wizard.
The storyline of the sequel promises to weave a new chapter in the Russo family’s fantastical legacy. According to the released synopsis, the series will kick off with a puzzling event at WizTech, a familiar setting for fans of the original show. In this intrigue-filled tale, Justin Russo will be depicted as having renounced his wizard abilities, instead choosing to lead a normal, mundane life with his wife Giada and their two sons. Henrie’s character, however, finds himself in an unexpected predicament when an adept and young wizard arrives on his doorstep, seeking mentorship. The occurrence forces Justin to confront his magical past and once again play a critical role in the safeguarding of the Wizard World’s future.
The new series is set to introduce other fresh characters to the Russo narrative, with Janice LeAnn Brown cast as Billie, the formidable young wizard in need of guidance. Alkaio Thiele is slated to appear as Roman, Justin Russo’s eldest son, while Mimi Gianopulos has been cast to portray Giada, Justin’s spouse.
Gomez expressed her enthusiasm about returning to the beloved universe by sharing a piece of the exciting news on her social media, followed by a nostalgic throwback photo with Henrie captured on the original “Wizards of Waverly Place” set, captioned with “We’re back.”
“Wizards of Waverly Place,” which first aired in 2007, told the story of three sibling wizards who lived in New York City and helped their parents run a sandwich shop while simultaneously learning to master their magical abilities. The series spanned four seasons and was widely acclaimed, leading to the release of “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” in 2009. Additionally, the series was further expanded with a special episode titled “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex” in 2013.
Selena Gomez, following the wrap of the original series, found further success in both her music and acting careers, as well as becoming an influential voice on social media platforms. David Henrie has also continued to act, in addition to stepping behind the camera as a director and producer.
The announcement of the sequel comes at a time when fans’ desire for nostalgia and returns to familiar franchises is at an all-time high, and the magical allure of the Wizards seems just as potent as it was when the Russo family first appeared on screen over a decade ago.
While an official release date for the “Wizards of Waverly Place” sequel is yet to be revealed, the reunion of Gomez and Henrie, paired with the promise of new characters and intriguing plot twists, is a concoction that’s bound to create anticipation and excitement among old and new fans alike. The Russo magic, it seems, is ready to once again cast its spell upon the world of entertainment.
