Disney Channel’s "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" Makes a Magical Return
Twelve years after the original series concluded, Disney Channel revives the enchanting world of “Wizards of Waverly Place” with its highly anticipated sequel, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.” This new chapter brings back David Henrie as Justin Russo, now a vice principal living on Staten Island with his wife Giada (played by the talented Mimi Gianopulos) and their two sons, Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). While Justin is now grounded in his responsibilities and has left his wizarding days behind, he retains his magical powers—a fact unbeknownst to his family—until an unexpected visit from a rebellious 12-year-old wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) disrupts their ordinary life.
The series kicks off on what appears to be a typical day at the Russo household. Justin is excited about his 34th birthday while his sons bicker over their shared space. As the plot unfolds, Justin’s life is turned upside down when Alex (Selena Gomez, reprising her cherished role), seeks his help, pulling him back into the world of magic that he thought he left behind. Billie, on the other hand, has known nothing but a wizard’s life and doesn’t conform to the rules—adding a delightful layer of chaos to the narrative.
Emerging 17 years after the original series debuted, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” takes full advantage of advancements in special effects technology, showcasing magic in a vibrant and fantastical manner that would have seemed impossible in its predecessor. Though it maintains the slapstick humor characteristic of the original series, the infusion of modern comedic writing ensures the show resonates with new audiences while still appealing to long-time fans. A standout comedic moment occurs when Milo is accidentally frozen, leading to a humorous sequence where Billie and Roman attempt to hide his body, proving that fun remains at the heart of the series.
The foundational strength of this new show lies in its cast. Henrie and Gomez seamlessly slip back into their beloved roles as they embark on a fresh journey with Gianopulos, who adds a quirky charm. The younger cast members—Brown, Thiele, and Matenko—shine with impressive comedic timing, injecting energy into their interactions. In a hilarious mishap in Episode 2, the boys attempt to keep their parents in the dark when a potion mishap leaves them physically conflated, showcasing their quick-wittedness and knack for humor.
Similarities between “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” and its predecessor emerge as Billie becomes integrated into the Russo family dynamic, mirroring Justin, Alex, and Max’s sibling relationships. However, the show cleverly juxtaposes Billie’s supernatural abilities against her ignorance of the mortal world, providing ample opportunities for character growth and comedy. For instance, in Episode 3, Billie struggles to fit in at school, leading her to misapply magic, while Episode 4 presents a unique Halloween episode where Billie introduces her brother to wizarding traditions.
Reboots often struggle to capture the magic of their predecessors, but “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” offers a fresh take while honoring the original’s core themes of family, responsibility, and the significance of being authentic. With lively storytelling and delightful magical moments, this sequel has the potential to capture the hearts of both a new generation and dedicated fans of the original series.
The first two episodes of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” are set to premiere on October 29 on Disney Channel, followed by their availability on Disney+ the next day, with new episodes arriving weekly on Tuesdays.
