A pilot for a “Wizards of Waverly Place” sequel series has been ordered at Disney Channel, Variety has confirmed.
A decade after Wizards of Waverly Place wrapped its successful four-season run on Disney Channel, the Russo family is poised to work their magic once more. Disney Branded Television announced this week that it has greenlit a pilot for a revival series, with original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie attached.
Original series star David Henrie will star in and executive produce the potential series, with original star Selena Gomez set to guest star in the pilot and executive produce. Henrie will reprise the role of Justin Russo, while Gomez will once again play Alex Russo. Additional cast for the pilot includes Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Mimi Gianopulos. Disney Branded Television is behind the series.
The magic-filled sequel follows the story of Justin, who leaves his job at WizTech and his magic powers behind to live a normal life with his family — until a powerful young wizard shows up at his door looking for training, according to the press release. “Justin must embrace his past to ensure the future of the Wizard World.”
Gomez will reprise her career-launching role as Alex Russo, the family’s free-spirited middle child, while Henrie will return as aspiring wizard Justin Russo, Alex’s dutiful older brother. The pilot script comes from Wizards writers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, who also oversee Raven’s Home, Disney’s That’s So Raven spinoff. Gary Marsh, the architect of many Disney Channel hits, will executive produce alongside Gomez and Henrie.
The plot transports viewers back to the wizarding world of WizTech Academy years after the Russos completed their training. Justin has settled into mundane family life with his wife Giada (Mimi Gianopulos) and two sons. But when a “powerful young wizard” named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) arrives seeking a mentor, Justin must reconnect with his magical roots to secure the future of wizardkind.
Gomez is repped by Lighthouse Management + Media, WME, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Henrie is repped by Untitled. Brown is repped by Eris Talent Agency and MB Talent & Entertainment Management. Thiele is repped by DDO Artists Agency. Gianopulos is repped by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
Alkaio Thiele rounds out the cast as Justin’s teenage son Roman, while Alex appears only in a guest role. Still, her cameo stands to attract nostalgic Millennial and Gen Z fans who grew up alongside the Russos’ comedic misadventures. Disney will hope their magic pays dividends again for a new generation.
