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Selena Gomez is back as Alex Russo in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a highly anticipated Disney Channel sequel to the original Wizards of Waverly Place series, which captivated audiences from 2007 to 2012. The new show, premiering October 29 on Disney Channel and available for streaming on Disney+ the next day, reintroduces fans to Alex and her brother Justin (David Henrie) in an ”nexpected family reunion. In an exclusive sneak peek, Alex arrives at Justin’s door with her mentee Billie, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown, a new wizard-in-training with her own rebellious flair.
The storyline shifts to an adult Justin, who has left his magical roots behind to live as a typical mortal with his family. His peaceful life is upended when Alex appears, asking Justin to train Billie in magic. Though hesitant, Justin eventually agrees, taking on the mentor role he once resisted. The series offers a reversal of their original dynamic: where Alex was once the mischievous younger sibling, Justin is now the one adjusting to the unexpected, with Billie bringing reminders of his sister’s old antics.
Gomez, Henrie, and David DeLuise (reprising his role as Jerry Russo) bring the same family warmth and humor that fans loved in the original show. Henrie, who also serves as co-producer, shared that he and Gomez prioritized recreating a close-knit environment on set, with an aim to make the magic feel as genuine as it did in the original series. According to Henrie, they wanted viewers to feel the same sense of family that defined Wizards of Waverly Place.
Executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, along with original series creator Gary Marsh, have worked carefully to maintain the beloved balance of magical mishaps and heartfelt moments that made Wizards a fan favorite. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is expected to bring new challenges for the Russo family while staying true to the show’s quirky, nostalgic charm. The first two episodes will premiere back-to-back on October 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET, launching what promises to be an enchanting adventure that both longtime fans and new viewers will enjoy.
