David Henrie and Janice LeAnn Brown Talk Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Season Two – INTERVIEW

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place stars on the magic of family and the show’s big surprises.

Disney+ is ready to bring audiences back into the magical chaos of the Russo family when Wizards Beyond Waverly Place returns for its second season on October 8. The new chapter finds Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) realizing that being part of the Russo family comes with unexpected challenges—especially now that Roman and Milo have discovered their own magical powers. With three young wizards to train for the Family Wizard Competition, Justin Russo (David Henrie) faces his most complicated task yet, while a mysterious new threat emerges that could unravel the Russos forever.

The cast includes Henrie, Brown, Alkaio Thiele as Roman, Max Matenko as Milo, Taylor Cora as Winter, and Mimi Gianopulos as Giada. Executive producer Selena Gomez also returns in a special guest role alongside Freya Skye, Harvey Guillén, Kirsten Vangsness, Bill Chott, Sean Whalen, Amanda Tepe, Recker Eans, Tobias Jelinek, Patrick Bristow, and Eleanor Sweeney.

A Family Behind the Magic

Though the stakes are higher, the cast insists that working on season two rarely feels like work. Brown explained that what began as an adjustment during season one quickly turned into something much deeper: “When you spend so much time on set, it doesn’t even feel like you’re going to work.

It genuinely feels like I was going to a second home,” she said, adding that Henrie helped set the tone. “Mr. David Henrie has made it a culture on set where we could just be kids, but there’s also that balance of professionalism. We’ll play Mario Kart in Max’s room or spend a week watching a movie together. It just feels like family, and it’s so much fun.”

Henrie agreed, noting that the warmth of the set comes through on screen. “The second season really shines because everyone’s having fun—kids and adults alike,” he said. “To me, it’s the living room sofa that represents it best. It feels like home base. If I need somewhere to sit, I don’t head to the cast chairs—I sit on that sofa. It’s comfortable, it’s lived in, and it’s where we’ve laughed, napped, and even filmed Instagram videos without realizing it.”

Secrets, Surprises, and a Finale That Will Break You

Like the original Wizards of Waverly Place, fans can expect callbacks and hidden details in the new episodes. Henrie teased one Easter egg that will spark endless fan theories. “There’s a major one in the finale,” he revealed.

“When we first read it as a cast, there were sniffles everywhere. It’s very meaningful. And if you rewatch the ending, you’ll catch a reveal tied to Alex’s character and her backstory. Your jaw will be on the floor, and when you pick it back up, you’ll realize exactly what we hinted at.”

Brown added that the series’s emotional undercurrent will resonate with fans who know what it’s like to find belonging. “The biggest thing I hope people take away is that you don’t have to self-sabotage when you find love and acceptance,” she said. “For people who’ve been through a lot, it can be scary to let your guard down, but once you find your found family, you realize you don’t have to go back to where you came from. I hope fans see that in Billie’s journey with the Russos.”

Mentor and Student, On and Off Screen

That bond between Billie and Justin is mirrored in the real-life friendship between Brown and Henrie. “Even from the beginning, I automatically felt comfortable,” Brown shared.

“He makes it a safe place for all of us kids, and he’s so considerate, no matter where we are—even doing promos, he’s always checking in. He’s collaborative and always open to my ideas. Honestly, I always say he and Ms. Selena feel like an aunt and uncle.”

The Magic of Filming

While the world of Wizards looks seamless on screen, Henrie admitted the behind-the-scenes process is far less glamorous. “It’s a lot less exciting than fans might think,” he explained. “There’s a lot of stopping and starting, a lot of freezing while crew members fly in props or line up effects. It’s technical and requires precision, and it definitely moves slower than people expect. But it’s all part of creating the magic.”

What Awaits Fans

With season two promising new powers, higher stakes, and emotional twists, both stars agreed that the show remains rooted in family. “No matter what magic we do, it’s about connection and finding your people,” Brown emphasized. Henrie added that the heart of the Russo family is what will keep fans invested.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place season two premieres October 8, exclusively on Disney+.

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