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Exciting news for Wizards of Waverly Place fans!
Selena Gomez and
David Henrie are set to reunite for a sequel to the beloved Disney Channel series. After 12 years since the show's finale, Disney Channel has ordered a pilot for the new series, with Gomez and Henrie serving as executive producers. In this article, we'll dive into all the details about the upcoming Wizards of Waverly Place sequel, including the cast, storyline, and what fans can expect from this magical reunion.
The Return of Alex and Justin Russo
The original Wizards of Waverly Place series, which aired from 2007 to 2012, followed the Russo family as they navigated the challenges of adolescence while mastering their magical abilities. The show starred Selena Gomez as Alex Russo and David Henrie as Justin Russo, two of the three Russo siblings. Now, fans will be thrilled to learn that Gomez and Henrie will be reprising their roles in the sequel series.
The Plot of the Sequel
The new Wizards of Waverly Place series will pick up after a mysterious incident at WizTech, where an adult Justin Russo has left his wizard powers behind. He has chosen to live a normal, human life with his wife and two sons. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a powerful young wizard in need of training shows up at his door. Justin must now embrace his past to ensure the future of the Wizard World.
The Cast of the Sequel
Joining Selena Gomez and David Henrie in the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel are a talented group of actors. Janice LeAnn Brown, known for her role in Disney's Just Roll with It, will play a powerful young wizard named Billie. Alkaio Thiele will portray Justin's son, Roman Russo, while Mimi Gianopulos, known for her work in Rutherford Falls, will play Justin's wife, Giada.
The Creative Team Behind the Sequel
The pilot episode of the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel will be written and produced by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, the duo behind the Disney Channel comedy spinoff, Raven's Home. They bring their expertise in creating entertaining and engaging content for young audiences. Andy Fickman, known for his work on Race to Witch Mountain, will be directing the pilot episode.
Reactions from the Stars
Selena Gomez and David Henrie took to social media to express their excitement about the Wizards of Waverly Place reunion. Gomez posted an Instagram Story with a photo of Alex and Justin, captioning it, "We're back." Henrie shared a picture of the pilot script, stating, "The Russo's are excited to become a part of your family, once again, but we've grown. 2024, the year magic comes back!"
The Legacy of Wizards of Waverly Place
Wizards of Waverly Place became a beloved show during its original run. It showcased the Russo family's dynamic and the challenges they faced as young wizards. The series also featured memorable characters portrayed by Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera, and David DeLuise. In 2013, the main cast (excluding Henrie) reunited for the TV special, The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex.
Disney's Strategy for Revivals and Reboots
The decision to revive Wizards of Waverly Place is part of Disney Branded Television's strategy to enhance Disney Channel's lineup of multi-camera sitcoms. The success of other Disney revivals, such as Raven's Home and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, has shown that there is a demand for nostalgic content among both new and existing fans.
The Lizzie McGuire Reboot Disappointment
While Disney has had success with some revivals, not all projects have come to fruition. One notable example is the planned Lizzie McGuire sequel starring Hilary Duff. Despite filming the first two episodes, the project was ultimately shelved. Fans of Wizards of Waverly Place can only hope that the new series avoids a similar fate and delivers on the excitement and nostalgia they have been eagerly anticipating.
The Impact of Wizards of Waverly Place
Wizards of Waverly Place had a significant impact on both Selena Gomez's career and the Disney Channel brand. The show introduced Gomez to a wider audience and helped solidify her status as a talented actress and singer. It also showcased Disney's ability to create compelling and magical storytelling that resonated with viewers of all ages.
Looking Forward to the Wizards' Return
As production begins on the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel, fans are eagerly awaiting more news and updates about the series. The reunion of Selena Gomez and David Henrie, along with the addition of new cast members, promises an exciting continuation of the magical world fans fell in love with. With a talented creative team behind the scenes, the future looks bright for this highly-anticipated reunion.
Conclusion
The announcement of a Wizards of Waverly Place sequel has brought joy and nostalgia to fans of the original series. Selena Gomez and David Henrie's return as Alex and Justin Russo, along with a fresh storyline and new cast members, offers the opportunity for a captivating and magical continuation of the beloved show. As fans eagerly await the release of the pilot episode, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow. Stay tuned for more updates on the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel and get ready to embark on a new magical adventure with the Russo family.