Jake T. Austin says he is 'disappointed' not to be in 'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place'

Jake T. Austin has revealed that he is “disappointed” not to have been included in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, the sequel series to Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place.

The 31-year-old actor addressed his absence in an Instagram Story on Thursday, August 6, following the release of the four-part third and final season on Disney+.

“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff,” Austin wrote.

“I was asked back in 2020 if I was interested in reprising my role and said that I was 100% in,” he continued. “Unfortunately, the powers that be decided to take the show in a different direction and my character wasn’t part of the equation.”

Photo: Instagram

Austin played Max Russo in the original series, which also starred Selena Gomez, David Henrie, David DeLuise and Maria Canals-Barrera.

“Even though I wasn’t involved, I still have nothing but love for my former castmates and wish them continued success,” Austin added. “Thank you to all the fans who watched over the years. The show wouldn’t be what it is without your endless support.”

His comments follow remarks from former co-star David DeLuise, who appeared to criticise the sequel series finale for not including all of the original cast.

Austin and DeLuise were the only original stars absent from the four-part finale. Henrie, Gomez, Canals-Barrera, Jennifer Stone and Gregg Sulkin all reprised their roles.

Austin had previously said he was “looking forward” to reuniting with his former co-stars. DeLuise appeared in two episodes during the first season of the reboot.

David Henrie previously addressed the possibility of Austin returning as Max Russo.