Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Cast Reflect on Watching the Original Series

‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ premieres tonight with a familiar mix of magic and family fun.

Fans of the beloved series “Wizards of Waverly Place” can finally dive back into the magic. The highly anticipated premiere of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel. The show revisits the Russo family, taking viewers on a new journey with the original show’s cast members along with fresh faces ready to carry the magical legacy forward. After the premiere, fans can binge the first eight episodes on Disney+ starting tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 30.

“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” brings back David Henrie as Justin Russo, who now leads a quiet life with his family. But when his sister Alex, played by Selena Gomez, reenters his life with Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), a young wizard needing mentorship, Justin finds himself back in the world of spells and potions. This time, he juggles family life with magical responsibilities, adding a fun twist as Justin navigates his two worlds.

At a press event, I spoke with the cast.

They spoke about their connections to the original show and how it shaped their experience with the new series. Mimi Gianopulos, who plays Justin’s wife Giada, shared a nostalgic perspective on the original show’s impact. She recalled how it had become a special experience with her younger sisters. “They’re in college now, so when the show was announced… it was really a full-circle moment for all of us,” she said, thrilled to be part of something meaningful to her family.

For some of the younger cast, joining the world of Waverly Place was an entirely new adventure.

Alkaio Thiele (Roman Russo) and Taylor Cora (Winter) only started watching the original series after being cast. Thiele said studying Justin’s character helped him shape his own performance. “I started to build my character and see what I wanted to take from the original Justin and… make him my own.” Cora echoed similar excitement, praising the chemistry between the original characters, which she feels carries into their own storyline.

Max Matenko (Milo Russo) found the show helpful in defining his role, saying, “I based my character on some bits of Max from the original show.” With guidance from David Henrie, he crafted his character with a touch of the Russo charm. Meanwhile, Janice LeAnn Brown, who portrays Billie, reminisced about her love for the original films and admired the powerful family dynamics. “The movies always stuck with me,” she shared, appreciating the values of family and forgiveness that resonate deeply in the new series as well.

Revisiting the Magic of “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” 15 Years Later

“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” revisits a world of magic and family. It captures the heartfelt humor and warmth of the original series. This warmth made the series a fan favorite. Series regulars include Henrie, Gianopulos, Thiele, Matenko, Cora, and Brown, with special appearances from Selena Gomez as Alex Russo and David DeLuise as Jerry Russo. The magic begins tonight, promising adventure and nostalgia for old and new fans alike.

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