The Russo Family Returns: Where The Cast Of Wizards Of Waverly Place Is Now (2025 Sequel News!)

The magical world of the Russo family is back! In a massive piece of news that has defined the start of 2025 for Disney Channel fans, the long-awaited sequel series, officially titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, has not only premiered but has cemented the legacy of the original cast. This new chapter has brought back beloved characters while the actors themselves have pursued wildly diverse and fascinating careers, from becoming a Registered Nurse to starring in prestige streaming hits.

The original Wizards of Waverly Place ran from 2007 to 2012, launching the careers of its young stars into the stratosphere. Today, in late 2025, the cast is a perfect mix of Hollywood A-listers, dedicated parents, and professionals who have stepped away from the camera to pursue essential, real-world careers. Here is the ultimate, up-to-date look at what the cast is doing now, and who you can expect to see in the new sequel.

The Russo Family Reunion: Latest News on the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Sequel

The biggest update for any fan of the original series is the official launch of the sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which premiered its first season in late 2024 and concluded in February 2025. The new show centers around Justin Russo, who has traded his wizard powers for a normal life with his wife and two sons, only to be pulled back into the world of magic by his younger sister, Alex.

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David Henrie (Justin Russo)

• Role in Sequel: Series Regular, Executive Producer. Henrie is the central figure of the new show, playing a now-adult Justin Russo who is forced to "dust off his magical skills" to mentor a new wizard-in-training named Billie.
• Recent Career: In addition to his new starring and executive-producing role, Henrie is a father and a director, having previously helmed the film This Is the Year. His focus has largely shifted to producing and family life, making his return to the Russo family a dedicated, long-term commitment.

Selena Gomez (Alex Russo)

• Role in Sequel: Guest Star in the pilot episode, Executive Producer. Gomez reprised her iconic role as Alex Russo to bring the new wizard-in-training, Billie, to Justin for mentorship, setting the entire new series in motion.
• Recent Career: Gomez remains a global powerhouse. She continues to star as Mabel Mora in the critically acclaimed Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, which has been renewed for a fifth season. Her music career also remains highly active, and she is the founder of the popular makeup brand Rare Beauty. Her involvement ensures the new show has the original "Alex Russo" spirit.

Jake T. Austin (Max Russo)

• Role in Sequel: Confirmed to return! Jake T. Austin officially announced his return as the youngest Russo sibling, Max Russo, in the sequel series via an Instagram post. While the extent of his role is not yet known, his confirmation completes the reunion of the three original Russo wizard siblings.
• Recent Career: Since Wizards, Austin starred in the Freeform drama The Fosters and provided voice work for animated projects like Rio. His focus in 2025 is clearly back on the Disney Channel universe, much to the excitement of fans.

Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo) & David DeLuise (Jerry Russo)

• Role in Sequel: Confirmed to return. The beloved Russo parents are also reprising their roles as Theresa and Jerry in an upcoming episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Their return is essential for grounding the new series in the family dynamic that made the original a hit.
• Recent Career: Both actors have remained active in the industry. Maria Canals-Barrera has had roles in various TV movies and series, while David DeLuise continues to act and direct, often working on independent projects and maintaining a strong social media presence.

From Waverly Place to the Real World: The Cast's Diverse New Paths

While the Russo family is back on screen, the actors who brought their friends and supporting characters to life have taken some of the most unique and inspiring career turns in Hollywood history. These career shifts demonstrate a commitment to passion and real-world impact that goes far beyond the soundstage.

Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle)

The journey of Harper Finkle’s actress, Jennifer Stone, is arguably the most surprising and inspiring of the entire cast. Stone has entirely transitioned into a dual career that balances her creative passions with a vital, essential service.

• The Registered Nurse: Due to her own diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes, Stone was inspired to pursue a career in medicine. She is now a fully licensed Registered Nurse (RN), having paused her acting career to work on the front lines, including during the recent global health crisis. This vocational shift is a testament to her dedication to healthcare and helping others manage chronic conditions.
• Independent Filmmaker: Despite her demanding nursing schedule, Stone has not abandoned her creative roots. She is an active independent horror actress, director, writer, and producer based in Dallas, Texas. Her work in the horror genre, including the 2023 film Dr. Gift, shows her commitment to filmmaking outside the studio system.

Jennifer Stone’s unique combination of a high-stress medical career and independent filmmaking makes her one of the most fascinating figures to emerge from the Disney Channel era. She is a true example of an artist who chose to use her platform and experience for real-world good.

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The Enduring Legacy of the Waverly Sub Station

The original series, which centered around the Russo family living above the fictional "Waverly Sub Station," was a foundational piece of Disney Channel’s early 2010s lineup. Its blend of coming-of-age comedy, family drama, and magical hijinks resonated with millions of viewers globally, setting a high bar for the new sequel. The show's success was largely due to the chemistry between the main cast members and its ability to tackle everyday teenage problems with a magical twist.

The return of the core cast—Selena Gomez, David Henrie, and Jake T. Austin, along with Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise—for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a rare feat in Hollywood. It speaks volumes about the enduring bond of the actors and the love they still hold for the Russo family and the world of magic they created. The new series, which focuses on Justin Russo balancing a normal life with his magical past, promises to explore themes of responsibility, mentorship, and the challenges of a blended family. With the first season already concluded, fans are eagerly awaiting news of a second season and further appearances from the original cast, especially Jennifer Stone's Harper Finkle, whose return would truly complete the nostalgic circle.

The continuation of the story, nearly two decades after the original premiered, ensures that the legacy of Wizards of Waverly Place will continue to influence a new generation of fans. The individual successes and unique career paths of the original cast members only add to the rich, compelling narrative of where magic can take you, both on and off-screen.

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