“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” is a sequel to the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place” which aired from 2007 to 2012. In the original series, Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) and her brothers Justin Russo (David Henrie) and Max Russo (Jake T. Austin) learn they must master their hidden wizard powers after finding out they come from a long line of wizards or else they’ll lose their powers, which causes the three of them to embark on wild adventures as they learn about friends, family and magic.
Although “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” may be a sequel, the magic of wizards and powers doesn’t fail to excite audiences.
“It’s super exciting,” said Maria Canals-Barrera, who played the motherly role of Theresa Russo on “Wizards of Waverly Place.” “I love to see that there’s a possibility of the original show to be part of it and I also love that it’s a whole new thing.”
In this sequel, Justin Russo learns to embrace the mortal world and live with his family. However, a new character is introduced by Alex Russo, Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), a wizard-in-training, who seeks Justin’s mentorship.
Alkaio Thiele, who plays Roman Russo, described the main themes of the show and said he’s excited for the audience to see the final product.
“This show is really cool,” Thiele said. “It addresses a lot of problems teens and kids face, finding endless love and acceptance in the worst of situations is the most important.”
At the premiere, besides current and old cast members, numerous Disney Channel stars such as Raini Rodriguez, Danielle Fishel and Malia Baker showed up to support the show’s grand premiere. Anna Maria Perez De Tagle was one of the many stars on the red carpet who expressed her excitement about a new generation of shows, such as “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” and audiences.
“The fact that Disney is being introduced to this new generation and is being loved just as much is amazing,” Perez De Tagle. “Honestly, Disney Channel is amazing and it should be introduced to all of the generations from here to come.”
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” has numerous themes from friendship to coming of age. However, the most prominent one to cast members, such as Henrie, was the theme of family and highlighting the importance of it.
“A big thing for me is family,” Henrie said. “We show family values in a whole new way because ‘Wizards’ was about family and this new show is about family. But in a whole new way because we have a girl brought into the show that doesn’t have a family and she has to learn what family is all about. It’s just a wonderful and simple way to retell a family value show.”
Besides the family magic that happens on the big screen, the cast themselves share a special, family-like bond. Jancie LeAnn describes the cast’s behind-the-scenes special bond.
“I feel like there has never been a dull moment on set, especially with my castmates and everything,” said Janice LeAnn Brown, who plays Billie. “We’re like a family and we just always find ourselves laughing so hard all together until our abs hurt. I think it’s just so special having that connection.”
Mimi Gianopulos, who plays Giada Russo, also adds her perspective on the family magic of the cast.
“I mean this is the best group of people,” Gianopulos said. “David (Henrie) and Selena (Gomez) created an environment that is so fun and so full of joy, it doesn’t feel like work and the kids are amazing. They are so talented and so collaborative, we have the best time. I’m just so grateful to be part of this.”
Max Matenko, who plays Milo Russo, also shares his fondness for his cast family as well as his gratitude for helping him overcome his on and off-screen challenges.
“I couldn’t ask for a better cast,” Matenko said. “I feel like family with them. They’re so amazing and so nice. David and Selena, they’re so humble and they’ve helped me overcome several things such as what I’m going to be as an actor and also just helping me with my butterflies and being nervous.”
From reminiscing about memories on set to describing their excitement for the show’s premiere on the red carpet, several cast members, such as Taylor Cora, share what they hope audiences will take away from the show.
“The importance of family values and I think every character on the show has that quality whether big or small, especially Winter, who is always there for her friends and she’s always making sure they’re safe and happy,” said Cora, who plays Winter on the show. “I think really anyone can take away that theme.”
Scott Thomas, who serves as an executive producer alongside Jed Elinoff, shares how he believes that the show is fit for any audience and hopes that audiences will capture the enchanting essence of the show.
“I think the show hits so many different age groups in such a great way,” Thomas said. “I think there’s been people who have been fans of the show, who will hopefully love it. I hope it captures new fans who can relate to the kids on the show.”
Selena Gomez, who reprises her role and serves as an executive producer, described her longed desire to bring back the show in a special way for new audiences to enjoy and her excitement that her dream has become a reality.
“I think it’s so nice to have something we can trust,” Gomez said. “That people can watch with their families and that’s a good feeling.”
