Selena Gomez  on Filming ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Spinoff: ‘Felt Like I Was Home Again’

As a longtime Disney enthusiast who has watched “Wizards of Waverly Place” countless times since its debut, I can wholeheartedly say that the reunion of Selena Gomez and David Henrie for the spinoff, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” feels like a magical homecoming. The chemistry between these two stars is as palpable now as it was during the original series, and it’s heartening to see them bring this beloved childhood gift to a new generation of viewers.


It’s been over a dozen years since “Wizards of Waverly Place” concluded in 2012 following its four-season run, but when they got together for the spinoff, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” it felt like no time had elapsed at all for stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie.

“On Thursday at the ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 premiere in Hollywood, Gomez shared with me that it felt like he was returning home. He expressed great joy about getting the opportunity to pass on a present from his childhood to a new generation of children.”

After the original series “Wizards” ended, Selena Gomez assumed she’d never portray Alex Russo again. However, she’s now hoping the spinoff will last for multiple seasons. “We don’t know yet,” she said, “but if the audience enjoys it, we’ll find out.”

David Henrie, returning as Alex’s brother Justin, shared with me that Selena and he, along with their respective spouses, had spent numerous hours over the years discussing and enjoying wine while speculating about the characters’ futures. At one point, they looked at each other and said, “It seems we have a show idea. We should discuss it with Disney.” And so, they did. It took several years of refining the concept to get it ready for production.

“He went on, ‘It originated from a source of love.’ To this day, the question most frequently posed to Selena is about ‘Wizards.’ This series held immense significance for many individuals.”

During Disney’s upfront presentation in May, Gomez unveiled plans for a spinoff. This was accompanied by images that debuted simultaneously, depicting matured versions of Alex and Justin, as well as fresh additions to the Russo family.

Selena Gomez  on Filming ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Spinoff: ‘Felt Like I Was Home Again’

“Working with Gomez once more felt surreal,” I expressed, “It was as if an unspoken understanding existed between us. As soon as we heard ‘Action,’ we exchanged a glance and burst out laughing, exclaiming, ‘This is wild!’ It was like no time had passed in 12 years; we were right back to where we started.”

“In ‘Wizards: Beyond Waverly Place’, we find adult Justin, opting for a mundane, mortal existence alongside his family – Giada (Mimi Gianopulos), Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). When Alex introduces Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) as someone needing assistance at their home, Justin decides to guide her in mastering the art of wizardry, all while maintaining his daily life and ensuring the protection of the Wizard World’s future.”

Henrie is equally excited about the prospect of additional seasons, expressing it as: “This universe has so much potential for exploration and growth!”

In the spin-off series, Henrie is once more employing his authentic wand. When the show concluded in 2012, producers gifted the cast framed wands as parting gifts; wrapped within glass. “I thought to myself,” Henrie stated, “I’m going to bring this one back out!”

Selena Gomez  on Filming ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Spinoff: ‘Felt Like I Was Home Again’

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2024-08-23 08:16