EXCLUSIVE: There will be a follow-up to Wizards of Waverly Place, one of Disney’s iconic comedies. Executive produced by Selena Gomez and David Henrie, the sibling actress from the small screen, Disney Branded Television has ordered a pilot for the follow-up. Gomez will appear as a guest star in the Disney Channel pilot as Alex Russo, the character who had a major part in starting her career. David Henrie will return as Justin Russo, a series regular. Janice LeAnn Brown (Disney’s Just Roll with It), Alkaio Thiele (Call Me Kat), and Mimi Gianopulos (American Princess) are the newest cast members that join him.
The creators and executive producers of Raven’s Home, a comedic spinoff on the Disney Channel, Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas are behind the revival pilot. After a mystery occurrence at WizTech, the story continues up with an adult Justin Russo choosing to live a regular, human life with his wife and two boys instead of using his magical skills. However, a formidable young magician in need of instruction surprises him when he answers the door. To secure the Wizard World’s future, Justin needs to accept his past.
Series protagonist Brown will play the strong young magician Billie, whom Justin mentors. Gianopulos will portray Justin’s wife Giada, while Thiele will portray Justin’s eldest son Roman Russo.
Besides Gomez, Henrie, Elinoff, and Thomas, the EP will also feature Gary Marsh (from Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red) and Andy Fickman (from Race to Witch Mountain), with Fickman serving as director.
Marsh, a former senior creative executive at Disney Channels, was the driving force behind Wizards of Waverly Place and played a crucial role in getting Gomez signed on to the network following her discovery at an open casting call in Dallas.
The original series, which aired from 2007 to 2012 and was created by Todd J. Greenwald, followed the Russo family as they learned to harness their magical skills and overcame the difficulties of puberty. Along with Henrie, the cast also featured Jennifer Stone, David DeLuise, Jake T. Austin, and Maria Canals-Barrera. The actors came together for the 2013 TV special The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex.
Years of internet speculation about a possible Wizards of Waverly Place relaunch or resurrection have come to an end with the pilot order. It also aligns with Disney Branded Television’s plan to strengthen the Disney Channel’s multi-camera sitcom roster.
As a star and executive producer of the popular Hulu/20th TV television comedy series Only Murders in the Building, Gomez is presently a member of the Disney family. WME, JSSK, and Lighthouse Management + Media are her representatives. Untitled represents Henrie. Eris Talent Agency and MB Talent & Entertainment Management represent Brown. DDO Artists Agency is Thiele’s agency. Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners represent Gianopulos.