The Russo Family Returns: Meet The New Cast Of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place And The Season 2 Release Date

The long-awaited sequel to the beloved Disney Channel series, Wizards of Waverly Place, has officially introduced a new generation of magic users, with the current date being December 18, 2025, and the excitement is building for what comes next. Titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, the show centers on an adult Justin Russo, who has traded in his wizard powers for a quiet, mortal life with his family, only to have magic—and his sister Alex—come crashing back into his world. This article provides a deep dive into the full cast, both the iconic returning stars and the fresh faces, along with the latest update on the highly anticipated Season 2.

The series, which premiered on October 29, 2024, has successfully bridged the gap between nostalgia and a compelling new narrative. It explores themes of family, responsibility, and the inevitable pull of one's true identity, all while introducing powerful new characters who are set to redefine the wizarding world. The show is a must-watch for original fans and new viewers alike, setting the stage for an even more magical second season.

The Complete Cast and Character Profiles: Returning Icons and New Leads

The success of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place rests on the shoulders of both the original cast members who cemented the show's legacy and the talented new actors bringing fresh energy to the Russo family saga. Below is a detailed profile of the main cast.

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David Henrie as Justin Russo (Series Regular)

• Full Name: David Clayton Henrie
• Born: July 11, 1989 (Mission Viejo, California, U.S.)
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Screenwriter
• Notable Works: Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, Ted Mosby's son in How I Met Your Mother, and films like Arizona Summer (2004).
• Character Arc: Justin Russo is now a grown-up, having chosen a mortal life with his wife Giada and their two sons, Roman and Milo. He works as a high school principal. His life of normalcy is shattered when a powerful young wizard, Billie, needs his help, forcing him to confront his magical past and become a mentor once more.

Selena Gomez as Alex Russo (Guest Star)

• Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
• Born: July 22, 1992 (Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Producer
• Notable Works: Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building, and her extensive music career.
• Character Arc: Alex Russo, the original series' winner of the family wizard competition, is the one who brings the new lead, Billie, to Justin for training. Her guest appearance is pivotal, setting the entire plot of the sequel in motion and showcasing her new role as a powerful, yet still mischievous, full wizard.

Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie Russo (New Lead)

• Full Name: Janice LeAnn Brown
• Born: c. 2010 (Los Angeles, California, U.S.)
• Occupation: Actress, Entertainer
• Notable Works: Guest roles on Disney Channel's Just Roll With It and Bunk'd.
• Character Arc: Billie is a powerful, yet untrained, young wizard who needs guidance after a magical accident. Her character is intentionally written to mirror the chaotic, talented energy of the original Alex Russo, making her the central figure for the new generation's magical adventures.

Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo

• Full Name: Mimi Gianopulos
• Born: May 12, 1989 (U.S.)
• Occupation: Actress
• Notable Works: Molly in the film What to Expect When You're Expecting and a recurring role on the sitcom Baby Daddy.
• Character Arc: Giada is Justin's mortal wife and the mother of Roman and Milo. She is a dedicated, loving matriarch who is completely unaware of the magical world until Justin is forced to reveal his secret. Her role is often compared to the original series' Harper Finkle, serving as the grounded, non-magical anchor for the family.

Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo

• Full Name: Alkaio Thiele
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Voiceover Artist (San Francisco Bay Area)
• Notable Works: Voice role as Janner in the animated series The Wingfeather Saga and a role in Fox's Call Me Kat.
• Character Arc: Roman is Justin's oldest son and the one who begins to show signs of inheriting his father's magical abilities. He is often characterized as the studious, responsible sibling, much like his father, Justin, was in the original series.

Max Matenko as Milo Russo

• Full Name: Max Matenko
• Born: December 31, 2012 (U.S.)
• Occupation: Actor
• Notable Works: Roles in General Hospital, This Is Us, and Platonic.
• Character Arc: Milo is the younger, more comedic Russo son. His character is designed to fill the role of the goofy, easily distracted sibling, drawing clear comparisons to the original Max Russo.

Taylor Cora as Winter

• Full Name: Taylor Cora
• Born: April 15, 2010 (U.S.)
• Occupation: Actress, Content Creator
• Notable Works: Previously appeared in the true-crime docuseries American Gangster: Trap Queens.
• Character Arc: Winter is a close friend and classmate of Billie, adding another layer to the teen dynamics outside of the Russo household. Her role is her first regular series role, making her a rising star to watch.

The New Russo Family Dynamic: Echoes of the Past

One of the most fascinating aspects of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is how the new family unit intentionally mirrors the original Russo dynamic, providing a sense of comforting familiarity while exploring new character arcs. The showrunners, including executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, have cleverly transplanted the core family archetypes into the next generation, ensuring that the topical authority of the series remains strong.

The central conflict revolves around Justin, who, after winning the family wizard competition in a revised version of the original series' ending, chose to give up his powers for a human life with his wife, Giada, and their children. This decision is similar to what Jerry Russo (played by David DeLuise, who returns for a guest appearance) did when he married Theresa Russo (Maria Canals-Barrera, who also returns). Justin’s new role as a high school principal and family man highlights the theme of sacrificing personal ambition for a grounded life, only to find that destiny—and magic—cannot be ignored.

The new generation of wizards and mortals perfectly captures the original dynamic:

• The Responsible Wizard: Roman Russo (Alkaio Thiele) is the oldest son, showing early signs of his father’s studious nature and magical potential. He is the new Justin.
• The Comedic Wildcard: Milo Russo (Max Matenko) is the younger, goofy sibling, whose antics provide the comic relief, much like the original Max Russo.
• The Powerful Outsider: Billie Russo (Janice LeAnn Brown), brought into the family's orbit by Alex, is the powerful, slightly rebellious young wizard, embodying the spirit of Alex Russo.

This structure allows the series to explore new storylines—such as the challenges of a non-magical mother, Giada, dealing with her husband's secret—while maintaining the beloved, witty tone established by the original series creator, Todd J. Greenwald.

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What to Expect: Plot Details and the Season 2 Premiere Date

The first season of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place established the new status quo: Justin is forced to train Billie, an incredibly powerful wizard who has been displaced from her home due to a mysterious magical threat. This setup immediately raises the stakes beyond the simple family competition of the past, introducing a larger, more perilous wizarding world.

The initial guest appearances by Selena Gomez as Alex Russo were crucial, as she is the catalyst who convinces Justin to step back into his old life. Fans were thrilled to see her reprise her role, even temporarily, proving that the sibling bond between Alex and Justin remains the heart of the franchise.

The Highly Anticipated Season 2 Announcement

In a massive win for fans, the series was quickly renewed, and the Season 2 premiere is one of the most anticipated events on Disney Channel and Disney+ for the year 2025. The new season is set to deepen the mythology and explore the consequences of Justin’s decision to re-engage with magic.

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The official dates for the Season 2 premiere are:

• Disney Channel Premiere: The new season will debut with two episodes on September 12, 2025.
• Disney+ Streaming Release: All episodes of Season 2 will be available to stream on Disney+ starting October 8, 2025.

This staggered release strategy builds excitement, allowing fans to enjoy the weekly rollout on the linear channel before a full binge-watch option becomes available on the streaming service.

The narrative is expected to focus heavily on Billie's training under Justin, the development of Roman's own emerging powers, and how Giada and Milo cope with the sudden, chaotic introduction of magic into their previously normal, mortal lives. Fans are also eagerly awaiting news of potential guest appearances from other original cast members, such as Jake T. Austin (Max Russo), though no official announcements have been made regarding a Season 2 return for him.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is not just a reboot; it is a true sequel that honors the legacy of the original series while confidently stepping into a new era of magic. By blending the familiar faces of David Henrie and Selena Gomez with a strong ensemble of young talent like Janice LeAnn Brown and Alkaio Thiele, the show has successfully captivated a new audience while satisfying the nostalgic cravings of longtime fans.