Selena Gomez and David Henrie, beloved stars of Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, are back to recreate the magic with a reboot titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. This latest series brings Gomez and Henrie back in their original roles as Alex and Justin Russo, reigniting the nostalgia for fans and welcoming a new generation to the Russo family’s magical world.

Selena Gomez’s Connection with Wizards and Fans

In an interview with People, Selena Gomez expressed her genuine excitement about the reboot, sharing how much the show means to her. “It’s the best feeling in the whole world to bring this back,” she stated. Gomez mentioned that the show holds sentimental value because it marked the beginning of her career. She feels indebted to it, attributing much of her success to the series that ran from 2007 to 2012. For her, reprising her role as Alex Russo is a way of paying tribute to her early days on screen and connecting with fans, old and new alike.

For Selena Gomez, reviving Wizards is also a personal experience, especially as she introduces the show to her family. She shared, with a bit of humor, that while she made her younger sister watch the original, her sister wasn’t as captivated by it as she was. Nonetheless, Selena Gomez feels thrilled to bring the classic back for audiences who missed it the first time around and for a new generation who can experience the magic for the first time.

Henrie and Gomez’s Vision: A Family Atmosphere On and Off Camera

According to David Henrie, who played Justin Russo, recreating the family dynamic that made the original show special was their priority in the reboot. When he and Gomez initially pitched the idea for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, they hoped to bring together a cast that could form a family both on screen and off. In an interview, Henrie said, “It was my and Selena Gomez’s goal from day one to recreate that culture…everyone can feel like family.” For both stars, the authentic, supportive atmosphere among the original cast played a huge role in the series’ success, and it’s something they wanted to pass on to the reboot’s new cast.

The new cast includes young actors like Janice LeAnn Brown, who plays Billie—a promising young wizard in need of guidance from Justin Russo. Henrie was particularly excited about the warm culture they have cultivated with the new generation of actors, aiming to create a “loving atmosphere” on set. According to him, viewers will feel this connection as it shines through the screen, mirroring the warmth that made Wizards of Waverly Place a hit in its original run.

What to Expect from Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

The storyline of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place picks up with Justin Russo having left his wizarding days behind, now leading a quiet, magic-free life with his wife, Giada (played by Mimi Gianopulos), and their two children, Roman and Milo, portrayed by Alkaio Thiele and Max Matenko. However, this peaceful life takes a twist when Billie, the young wizard, arrives seeking guidance. This disruption forces Justin to confront his past and re-enter the wizarding world to secure its future.

Henrie revealed that his own experience as a father helped him connect with the character of Justin, who now faces the responsibility of raising children and mentoring young wizards. He describes the storyline as a blend of “nostalgia and new challenges,” designed to make the show relatable for both original fans and newcomers. Gomez’s character, Alex, will also feature prominently, with her characteristic wit and magical abilities, reminding audiences why she became such a defining figure in Disney Channel’s lineup during the late 2000s.

A Magical Return with a Modern Touch

While Wizards Beyond Waverly Place pays homage to the original series, it introduces fresh elements to make the world of the Russos even more engaging. The reboot not only reconnects fans with familiar faces but also adds depth to Justin and Alex’s characters as they evolve into adult roles. Henrie’s involvement in crafting the storyline and guiding the new cast reflects his commitment to the show’s authenticity, striving to make it feel like a “warm hug” for longtime fans and a welcoming entry for first-time viewers.

Disney Channel premiered the first episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on October 29, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET (October 30, 5:30 AM IST), with subsequent episodes available on Disney+.

For more updates on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, tune in to Vviptimes.

SOURCE: People