THEY’LL BE BACK
Disney: ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ sequel on the way
THEY’RE getting ready to cast a second spell. Disney announced Thursday that a sequel to the 2007 sitcom “Wizards of Waverly Place” featuring series alums Selena Gomez and David Henrie is currently in the works. According to Deadline, Disney had ordered a pilot of the new series that will reportedly include Gomez, 31, as a guest star, while Henrie, 34, will be reprising his role as Justin Russo as a season regular.
Gomez also confirmed the series’ revival, posting an Instagram story of herself and Henrie during the show’s original run with the caption, “We’re back.” She’s currently starring in Hulu’s “Only Murders In the Building.”
The show’s upcoming reboot will also include newcomers Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele and Mimi Gianopulos. According to the official description, the series “picks up after a mysterious incident at WizTech, where an adult Justin Russo has left his wizard powers behind, opting for a normal, human life with his wife (Gianopulos) and two sons (one of whom will be played by Thiele).”
“But he gets a surprise when a powerful young wizard (Brown) in need of training shows up at his door,” the description continues. “And Justin must embrace his past to ensure the future of the Wizard World.”
Gary Marsh, who was the main driving force behind the show and the casting of Gomez, will also be returning to the series as an executive producer along with Gomez, Henrie and the show’s writers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas .
The Post has reached out to Henrie for comment.
Reps for Gomez declined to make any additional comments.
Several fans on social media were excited about the news.
“Wizards of Waverly Place is coming back? Shut the front door looks like I’m going to be watching that,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“I’m sorry ???? A WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE REBOOT?? Pinch me I’m dreaming,” a second person screeched.
“OMGGG WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE IS GETTING REBOOTED?!!?! IT BETTER BE GOOD I STG,” howled another.
One user, however, did not appear to be thrilled by the news.
“I don’t fully get the idea of doing a Wizards of Waverly Place sequel and then making it for kids again,” a fan questioned.” The people who loved the show have grown up! It’s why Hilary Duff wanted to do an older Lizzie McGuire and then Disney basically said ‘no.’”
The news comes after years of speculation, which increased when Gomez posted a photo on her Instagram in October 2022 showing the Waverly Place street sign.
“Where it all began,” the “Boyfriend” singer wrote in the caption.