Disney Channel has given an official series order to its “Wizards of Waverly Place” sequel, this time with the working title “Wizards.” Original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie are set to exec produce, while Gomez will appear in a guest role and Henrie will be back full time as a series regular.
Production will begin next month in Los Angeles on “Wizards,” which is aimed for a premiere later this year on both Disney Channel and Disney+. The pickup follows news in January that a pilot had been ordered for the potential return to Waverly Place.
Disney Branded Television is behind “Wizards,” with Gomez returning in the premiere episode as Alex Russo and Henrie back full time as Justin Russo. Max Matenko (“Platonic”) has joined the cast as Justin’s youngest son, Milo, and joins the previously announced cast, including Janice LeAnn Brown (“Bunk’d”) in the lead role as young, powerful wizard Billie; Alkaio Thiele (“Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends”) as Justin’s oldest son, Roman; and Mimi Gianopulos (“Rutherford Falls”) as Justin’s wife, Giada.
According to the logline, “Wizards” will follow Justin Russo, who as an adult “has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities – and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.”
Besides Gomez and Henrie, exec producers include Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (“Raven’s Home”). who are writer/EPs. Also an EP is former Disney Channel president Gary Marsh (“Descendants: The Rise of Red”), who headed up the development of the original “Wizards of Waverly Place” and segued to producing in 2021. Andy Fickman (“Race to Witch Mountain”) is the director/EP who executive produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes.
“‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ captivated hearts with its spellbinding adventures and big laughs, creating unforgettable memories for kids and families everywhere,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, in a statement. “We can’t wait to step back into the magical world of ‘Wizards,’ inviting both longtime fans and a new generation to experience the enchantment alongside Selena, David, and our incredible cast and crew.”
The original “Wizards of Waverly Place” was created by Todd J. Greenwald and ran for four seasons on Disney Channel between 2007 and 2012. Gomez starred as a teen wizard, living with her siblings Justin (Henrie) and Max (Jake T. Austin) in New York City’s Greenwich Village, while learning how to balance her powers with everyday teenage life. The series also starred David DeLuise, Maria Canals-Barrera and Jennifer Stone. The “Wizards”” world was previously revisited in the 2013 Disney Channel special “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex.”