The Cast Of Wizards Of Waverly Place: Where Are They Now And Everything About The 2024 Sequel

The magic is officially back! As of late 2024, the original cast of Disney Channel’s beloved series, Wizards of Waverly Place, is dominating entertainment headlines once again. After the show concluded in 2012, fans have followed the careers of stars like Selena Gomez and David Henrie, but the biggest news of the year is the highly anticipated sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the main cast, their post-show careers, and every detail about their return to the wizarding world.

The original series, which first premiered in 2007, captivated a generation with the adventures of the Russo family—a seemingly normal New York family who secretly trained to be wizards. More than a decade later, the core cast members are reuniting, proving that the Russo family bond—and the magic—is stronger than ever.

The Russo Family & Friends: Full Cast Biography and Current Status (2024)

The original main cast members have branched out into music, beauty empires, directing, and even new careers in healthcare. Here is a complete biographical profile and a look at what the stars of Wizards of Waverly Place are doing today, with a focus on their involvement in the 2024 sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

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• Selena Gomez (Alex Russo)
  • Born: July 22, 1992 (Grand Prairie, Texas)
  • Role in Original Series: The witty, rebellious, and ultimately Grand Wizard of the Russo family.
  • Current Status (2024): Gomez is a global superstar, executive producer, and businesswoman. She is the founder of the billion-dollar makeup line, Rare Beauty. She also stars in the critically acclaimed Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building.
  • Sequel Involvement: She is an executive producer for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and will reprise her role as Alex Russo in a guest star capacity.
• David Henrie (Justin Russo)
  • Born: July 11, 1989 (Mission Viejo, California)
  • Role in Original Series: The intelligent, rule-following, and often neurotic older brother, who eventually becomes the Headmaster of WizTech.
  • Current Status (2024): Henrie has moved into directing and producing, in addition to acting. He has also directed his first feature film.
  • Sequel Involvement: Henrie is the central lead and an executive producer of the new series. His character, Justin Russo, is now an adult who has chosen a normal, mortal life with his wife and two sons, until a new, powerful wizard arrives needing his help.
• Jake T. Austin (Max Russo)
  • Born: December 3, 1994 (New York, New York)
  • Role in Original Series: The youngest and most mischievous sibling, who temporarily turned into a girl named Maxine.
  • Current Status (2024): Austin has continued acting in various film and television roles, including a stint on the series The Fosters.
  • Sequel Involvement: Austin is confirmed to be reprising his role as Max Russo in the sequel series.
• Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle)
  • Born: February 12, 1993 (Arlington, Texas)
  • Role in Original Series: Alex’s quirky, fashion-forward, and non-magical best friend.
  • Current Status (2024): In a major career shift, Stone became a registered nurse. She has been open about her experiences working in the healthcare field, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also co-hosts a nostalgic rewatch podcast with David DeLuise.
  • Sequel Involvement: Stone is not a series regular in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, but her close connection to the cast and continued discussion of the show on her podcast keeps her firmly in the Russo family orbit.
• Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo)
  • Born: September 28, 1966 (Miami, Florida)
  • Role in Original Series: The non-wizard mother of the Russo children and co-owner of the Sub Shop.
  • Current Status (2024): Canals-Barrera continues her career in acting and voice work, known for roles in *The Proud Family* and *Camp Rock*.
  • Sequel Involvement: She is confirmed to be returning as Theresa Russo, now the "Abuelita" (grandmother) of Justin’s children, in a guest role for an upcoming episode.
• David DeLuise (Jerry Russo)
  • Born: November 11, 1971 (Burbank, California)
  • Role in Original Series: The former wizard father who gave up his powers to marry Theresa.
  • Current Status (2024): DeLuise is an active actor and director, and he co-hosts the Wizards of Waverly Place rewatch podcast with Jennifer Stone.
  • Sequel Involvement: He is confirmed to be reprising his role as Jerry Russo in the new series.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: What We Know About the 2024 Sequel

The announcement of a sequel series, titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, was the biggest entertainment news for fans in 2024. The new show is a direct continuation of the original story, focusing on the next chapter of Justin Russo’s life.

The premise reveals that Justin Russo, after winning the family wizard competition, has given up his magical powers for a normal, mortal life with his wife, Giada, and two sons. He is living a quiet, human existence until a mysterious incident at WizTech forces him to take on the responsibility of training a new, young, and powerful wizard named Billie. This means Justin must once again balance his family life with the demands of the wizarding world.

The return of David Henrie as the lead is a huge draw, but the confirmed guest appearances by Selena Gomez, Jake T. Austin, Maria Canals-Barrera, and David DeLuise ensure that the core Russo family dynamic will be present. The new series aims to capture the original show’s charm while exploring the responsibilities of adulthood and parenthood through a magical lens.

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The Post-Waverly Place Era: From Pop Stardom to Healthcare

The careers of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast since the show ended in 2012 offer a fascinating look at life after a major Disney Channel hit. The cast has found success in wildly different fields, showcasing their diverse talents and interests.

Selena Gomez’s Billion-Dollar Empire and Acting Comeback

Selena Gomez’s trajectory has been arguably the most high-profile. Beyond her continued success as a recording artist, her biggest venture is Rare Beauty, a makeup brand focused on mental health advocacy that has achieved massive commercial success and a valuation in the billions. Her return to television in Only Murders in the Building alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short solidified her transition into a respected adult actress and producer.

David Henrie’s Shift to Directing and Producing

David Henrie has consistently worked behind the scenes, focusing on writing and directing. His work as an executive producer on the sequel series demonstrates his dedication to shaping the future of the Wizards franchise. His directorial debut, *This Is the Year*, further highlights his creative ambition beyond acting.

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Jennifer Stone’s Inspiring Career Change

One of the most unique career paths belongs to Jennifer Stone. After taking a break from acting, she pursued a degree in nursing and became a registered nurse, putting her career on the front lines of healthcare. This inspiring pivot shows a dedication to helping others, a theme she often discusses on the rewatch podcast she co-hosts with David DeLuise, Wizards of Waverly Pod.

The collective journey of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast—from child stars navigating the wizarding world to successful adults in diverse fields—is a testament to their enduring talent and the powerful nostalgia of the original series. The 2024 sequel is not just a reboot; it’s a reunion of the Russo family, promising a fresh dose of magic for a new generation of fans.