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The pilot episode kicks off with a surprise as Selena Gomez makes a guest appearance as Alex, leading Billie to Justin’s suburban home in Staten Island, New York.
Selena Gomez and David Henrie slide back into their roles as Alex and Justin. (Photo Credits: X)
Get ready to dust off your wands and hop back into the whimsical world of magic. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place has arrived, bringing with it a sprinkle of nostalgia and a whole new cast of characters to enchant both long-time fans and new viewers alike. In an era where Hollywood loves to revisit the past, the Disney Channel joins the trend with a fresh twist on the beloved series, Wizards of Waverly Place. This time, we follow adult Justin Russo (David Henrie) as he takes on the role of mentor for the rebellious Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), a wizard-in-training who needs guidance after being expelled from multiple wizarding schools.
The premise of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place mirrors Justin’s own magical journey from the original series, where he was taught by his father while navigating the ups and downs with his spirited sister, Alex (Selena Gomez). The original show revolved around the family wizard competition that determined which of the Russo siblings would retain their magic into adulthood. While Alex, the mischievous yet talented wizard, ultimately emerged victorious, Justin earned the prestigious title of headmaster at a wizarding school. However, it appears his magical career didn’t last long, as he has since distanced himself from that world.
The pilot episode kicks off with a surprise as Selena Gomez makes a guest appearance as Alex, leading Billie to Justin’s suburban home in Staten Island, New York. Justin has traded his wizarding robes for a more ordinary life.
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Selena Gomez and David Henrie slide back into their roles as Alex and Justin with charming familiarity. Despite the years that have passed since their Disney Channel days, they maintain the essence of their characters. Gomez embodies Alex’s carefree, sarcastic spirit, while Henrie balances Justin’s uptight persona with a humorous physicality that adds depth to the character.
In a newly released clip from the upcoming sequel series, we witness Justin grappling with the challenge of stepping out of his mundane life and finding his confidence as a mentor.
Alex tells him that she is here for his birthday and tries to convince Billie to learn magic from Justin. “I brought you here so that you can meet your new wizard teacher,” she tells Billie. Upon her refusal, Alex urges Billie to bear with her brother as “he is the best she has ever known.”
The new Russo home features a cookie-cutter design, except for the wizarding lair, a near-exact replica of the original series’ iconic space. The first two episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiere on October 29 on Disney Channel, with the first eight episodes available for streaming on Disney+ the following day.
