Disney Channel has officially ordered a pilot for a revival of the hit 2000s sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, with original stars Selena Gomez, David Henrie, and more set to return. The potential sequel series comes 11 years after the show’s finale aired on the network.
Gomez and Henrie to Reprise Iconic Roles
According to multiple reports, Gomez and Henrie will reprise their roles as wizard siblings Alex and Justin Russo in the revival pilot. The two actors confirmed the news in statements on social media, expressing enthusiasm about stepping back into the characters’ shoes.
I’m thrilled to be back as Alex Russo in the #WizardsOfWaverlyPlace sequel pilot! It’s been over 10 years since the show ended but coming back feels like no time has passed. Can’t wait for you all to see what we have in store!
Gomez will also executive produce the pilot alongside Henrie and original series creator Todd J. Greenwald. The network has yet to confirm if any other original cast members will return.
Pilot Episode Currently in Development
Plot details are still under wraps, but the trade reports indicate the revival will be set years after the events of the original finale. It will follow Alex and Justin into adulthood as they pass down Russo family wizardry to a new generation.
Table: Original Wizards of Waverly Place Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Selena Gomez | Alex Russo |
| David Henrie | Justin Russo |
| Jake T. Austin | Max Russo |
| Maria Canals-Barrera | Theresa Russo |
| David DeLuise | Jerry Russo |
The pilot script is currently in development under creator Greenwald. Filming is expected to begin this spring once a final draft is approved by Disney executives.
Sources say Gomez was the driving force behind getting the revival off the ground, approaching Greenwald and Henrie last year with the idea. She will juggle producing duties alongside her starring role if the project moves forward to series.
Massive Following Calls for Revival
Wizards of Waverly Place aired on Disney Channel from 2007-2012, becoming one of the network’s most beloved and highest rated shows of all time. It followed a family of wizards living in Manhattan and launched Gomez into superstardom.
The series still maintains a massive fanbase to this day, with over 7 million followers across its social media accounts. Loyal fans have actively campaigned for a revival for years using the hashtag #WizardsRevival. The Disney brand also recently brought new attention to the show by making its complete series available on Disney+ last year.
Many speculate it was this renewed interest combined with Gomez’s determination that finally convinced Disney to revisit the Russo family. The network likely hopes to draw in both nostalgic millennial viewers who grew up with the original series as well as a new generation of young fans.
Future of the Series
While plot details remain tightly guarded, the tone of the sequel series will shift to reflect the Russo siblings entering the next phase of young adulthood. Showrunner Greenwald hinted that the revival will focus more on Alex and Justin mentoring the next generation of magic-wielders.
The Russo siblings are all grown up now, moving forward with their adult lives but still trying to figure it all out. Magic is still very much a part of things, even more so now that it’s being passed down to a new crop of kids with undiscovered powers.
There is no official word yet on whether other original cast members like Jake T. Austin (Max), Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa), or David DeLuise (Jerry) will reprise their roles. But Greenwald hinted that some familiar faces will make appearances if the project moves forward.
The fate of the Wizards sequel ultimately hinges on Disney Channel executives’ reactions to the forthcoming pilot. But with Selena Gomez on board to anchor the next magical chapter, the odds seem high that the Russos could cast their spell on fans once again very soon.
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