Disney Orders Pilot for ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Sequel with Selena Gomez and David Henrie
Disney fans rejoice! One of Disney’s beloved comedies, Wizards of Waverly Place, is making a comeback with a sequel. Disney Branded Television has recently announced that they have ordered a pilot for the highly anticipated follow-up. What’s even more exciting is that the original stars, Selena Gomez and David Henrie, will be executive producing the show and reprising their iconic roles.
Selena Gomez, who rose to fame through her role as Alex Russo in the original series, will be making a guest appearance in the pilot episode. Meanwhile, David Henrie will be returning as Justin Russo, this time as a series regular. Joining them are new cast members Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Mimi Gianopulos.
The pilot, created by writers and executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, takes place after a mysterious incident at WizTech. Justin Russo, now an adult, has chosen to live a normal life without his wizard powers alongside his wife and two sons. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a young wizard in need of training shows up at his doorstep. To ensure the future of the Wizard World, Justin must embrace his past and guide the powerful young wizard named Billie, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown.
The revival of Wizards of Waverly Place has been a topic of speculation among fans for years. The original series, which aired from 2007 to 2012, followed the Russo family as they navigated the challenges of adolescence while mastering their magical abilities. The cast also included Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera, and David DeLuise, who reunited for a TV special in 2013.
The pilot order is part of Disney Branded Television’s strategy to enhance Disney Channel’s lineup of multi-camera sitcoms. The network aims to bring back the magic and nostalgia of the original series while introducing new and exciting storylines.
Selena Gomez, who has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, is currently starring in the hit Hulu/20th TV television comedy series Only Murders In the Building, where she also serves as an executive producer. David Henrie, on the other hand, is represented by Untitled. The new cast members, Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Mimi Gianopulos, are represented by various talent agencies.
Fans of Wizards of Waverly Place can’t contain their excitement for the upcoming sequel. With the original stars returning and a fresh new storyline, it’s safe to say that the magic will continue to captivate audiences once again. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated Disney revival!
Nellie Andreeva contributed to this report.