Summary

• The popular Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place is returning in a highly-anticipated sequel series.
• Selena Gomez will reprise her role as Alex Russo and serve as one of the executive producers.
• The sequel will focus on Justin Russo as he takes a young struggling wizard under his wing.

The popular Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place is returning in a highly-anticipated sequel series called Wizards Beyond Waverly Place that will feature several of the original characters. Debuting in 2007, Wizards of Waverly Place follows the Russo family as they try to balance their lives as run-of-the-mill sandwich shop owners who also happen to be powerful wizards. The bulk of the series hinged on the internal conflict within the Russo siblings, as they each trained to one day compete to be the sole recipient of their family's magical abilities.

When the series went off the air in 2012, the story had been neatly wrapped up with each of the family members being served a happy ending. While still beloved to this day, Wizards of Waverly Place is perhaps best known for being the launching point for the career of Selena Gomez, and she is one of many former Disney stars to go on to have a much larger career. Even though the show ended on a positive note, fans have still clung to hope that the Russo family would return, and now it seems that their wish is finally being granted.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Latest News

The Sequel's Official Title Is Revealed

As the highly anticipated Disney sequel goes into production, the latest news sees the Wizards of Waverly Place follow-up announce its title. Since the project was revealed, it was simply referred to as the sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place, but it is now officially called Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. During Disney's upfront presentation, the studio not only revealed the name but also dropped a few BTS photos and a title card to hype the impending sequel.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Is Confirmed

The Sequel Series Is On The Way

Despite very little build-up, the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel series was announced in January 2024 to the shock and surprise of many. According to the reveal, Disney has ordered a pilot that will continue the story of the Russo family and even feature several of the stars from the original series. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Selena Gomez is slated to reprise her role as Alex Russo, and is even serving as one of the executive producers on the series.

The original Wizards of Waverly Place is available to stream on Disney+

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Cast

Which Cast Members Are Returning?

The announcement that Disney had ordered a pilot episode also included some welcome news about the cast of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. First, Selena Gomez will return as Alex Russo, though it is unclear how big of a role the A-lister will play. On the other hand, David Henrie is returning as Justin Russo, and he will be the clear focal point of the series as he takes a young struggling wizard under his wing. Though not officially confirmed, Jake T. Austin is likely reprising his role as the third Russo sibling, Max.

Not long after the series was announced, it was confirmed that two more original Wizards of Waverly Place cast members would be joining, with the Russo parents returning. David DeLuise and Maria Canals Barrera appeared as the Russo parents in the original series, but it is unclear how big their roles will be in the sequel. Several new names have been added to the cast list as well, with ​​​​newcomer Janice LeAnn Brown playing young wizard Billie and Alkaio Thiele as Justin's son. Additionally, Max Matenko will play Justin's other son, while Mimi Gianopulos will play Giadi, Justin's wife.

The cast of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place includes:

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Story

What Will The Sequel Be About?

The basic premise of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place has already been announced, and it will center on Justin Russo, the sibling who went to work at WizTech at the end of the original series. In the sequel show, Justin decides to abandon the world of magic to live a normal life with his family, but soon finds himself pulled back in when a young wizard arrives who needs his help to master their burgeoning powers. More story details will likely be added once the series progresses past the pilot episode.