Much-loved teen comedy The Wizards of Waverley Place could be getting a sequel series after Disney green-lit the production of a pilot episode.
Original stars of the series Selena Gomez and David Henrie – who played siblings Alex and Justin Russo – are on board to reprise their roles, as well executive producing the show. There are also new stars joining the cast, including Janice LeAnn Brown, who was in Just Roll with It, Alkaio Thiele – best known for Call Me Kat – and Mimi Gianopulos from American Princess.
The original Wizards of Waverley Place series ran for four seasons from 2007-2012 and was the vehicle that made Gomez a star. This was her first TV role after being discovered at an open casting session in Dallas. The show followed the adventures of the three Russo siblings living in New York City, who faced the twin challenges of adolescence and mastering their magical abilities. They frequently used magic in their everyday lives – and not always responsibly.
The sequel will pick up years later with the Russo siblings now grown up. Justin now lives a normal human life with his wife and sons, having given up on a wizarding life – until a powerful young wizard named Billie (played by Brown) appears on his doorstep, in need of training. Justin now must go back to his old life to help ensure that the Wizard World has a future.
Thiele will play Justin’s oldest son, Roman, while Gianopulos will play his wife, Giada.
Gary Marsh, who had a big hand in the original series, is also exec producing.
Ever since the original Wizards of Waverley Place series ended, there have been online calls for a reboot or sequel series. Since the show finished, there has been one reunion special in 2013, titled ‘Alex vs Alex’ but nothing since. However, fans now how something concrete to get excited about.
