‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ sequel series gives an update

David Deluise and Selena Gomez set to return to the magical world

The highly anticipated sequel series, "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place," has just received a significant update with the return of David DeLuise as Jerry Russo. DeLuise, who originally played the father of Justin, Alex (Selena Gomez), and Max (Jake T. Austin) in the beloved Disney Channel show, will reprise his role in the upcoming series. This news was revealed by David Henrie in an Instagram reel, sparking excitement and nostalgia among fans.

"Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" will focus on the Russo family's changes and their legacy. The storyline reveals that Justin Russo, played by Henrie, has given up his magic powers to live a regular life with his wife and children. However, when a young wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) appears needing training to save the wizarding world from a significant threat, Justin must reconsider his decision and take on the responsibility of her mentor.

The new series aims to recapture the magic that made "Wizards of Waverly Place" a hit almost two decades ago. It will feature the family dynamics central to the original show, with DeLuise's return hinting at interactions between Jerry Russo and his grandchildren. The series will introduce Justin's children, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos), Roman (Alkaio Thiele), and Milo (Max Matenko), exploring their relationships with Billie.

Scheduled to premiere on both Disney Channel and Disney+ later this year, "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" is currently in production. While Selena Gomez will only appear as a guest star, Henrie's role as Justin will be one of the series' leads. Gomez will next be seen in the new season of Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," a successful comedy about amateur detectives.

The announcement and updates have been met with enthusiasm as fans look forward to revisiting the Russo family and seeing how their story unfolds in this new chapter.