5 Shocking New Ways David Henrie Is Redefining His Career In 2025 (From Disney Wizard To Director)

David Henrie, the beloved Disney Channel star who captured hearts as the brilliant and often exasperated Justin Russo on *Wizards of Waverly Place*, is experiencing a massive career resurgence and transformation in late 2025. The actor, director, and producer is not just reprising his iconic role for a new generation; he is simultaneously launching into the world of feature film direction, executive production, and even a faith-based travel show, proving he is one of Hollywood's most versatile talents today.

This deep dive into David Henrie’s life and career, as of December 2025, reveals a man balancing a demanding professional slate—from the highly anticipated *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* to his directorial debut—with a deeply rooted commitment to his family and faith. His latest endeavors confirm that the former wizard is now a major force behind the camera and a dedicated ambassador for projects close to his heart.

David Henrie: Full Biography and Profile

David Henrie's career spans over two decades, transitioning from a child star to a successful actor, director, and producer. His recent projects showcase a significant evolution in his artistic and personal life.

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• Full Name: David Clayton Henrie
• Date of Birth: July 11, 1989
• Place of Birth: Mission Viejo, California, USA
• Key Roles (Actor):
  • Justin Russo in *Wizards of Waverly Place* (2007–2012) and *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* (2024–present)
  • Luke in *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014)
  • Larry in *That's So Raven* (2004–2007)
• Key Roles (Director/Producer):
  • Director of the upcoming film *Monster Summer* (2024)
  • Director and Executive Producer on various independent projects.
• Wife: Maria Cahill (m. 2017)
• Children: Pia, James, and Gemma
• Current Projects (2025/2026): *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* (Season 2), *Monster Summer*, and the EWTN travel series *Seeking Beauty*.

The Magic Continues: David Henrie's Return to the Russo Family

The biggest news for fans of the Disney Channel era is David Henrie's return to the world of magic in the sequel series, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*. This new show is a direct continuation of the original, but with a significant twist for his character.

Justin Russo's New Role as a Mentor

Henrie is reprising his role as Justin Russo, but the character has undergone a major transformation. Justin has chosen to live a mortal life with his wife and two sons, giving up his wizard powers to ensure his family's safety.

However, he is pulled back into the magical world when a powerful young wizard named Billie needs a mentor. This new dynamic sees Justin in the role of the wise, experienced teacher, a stark contrast to his often-competitive relationship with his sister, Alex, in the original series.

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The Selena Gomez Connection and Season 2 Buzz

The return of the Russo family is a major event, and Henrie has been instrumental in bringing the project to life. His former on-screen sister, Selena Gomez, is also an executive producer on the show and reprised her role as Alex Russo for the pilot episode.

The chemistry between the two remains a highlight, and the show's success has led to an immediate Season 2 renewal, which is currently in production. Henrie has expressed that returning to the set and sharing the magic with a new generation feels incredibly personal and meaningful.

From Wizard to Director: David Henrie's New Creative Ventures

Beyond his acting roles, David Henrie has made a powerful move behind the camera, solidifying his status as a multi-hyphenate talent in Hollywood. His latest projects showcase his ambition to tell stories that resonate with his values and a broad audience.

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The Directorial Debut: *Monster Summer*

Henrie made his feature film directorial debut with the adventure horror film *Monster Summer*. The film, which was released in late 2024, is an exciting project that blends family-friendly adventure with a touch of horror.

The movie boasts a notable cast, including Mason Thames, Lorraine Bracco, and the legendary Mel Gibson. Henrie guided the story to create a true "family horror" experience, aiming to bring back a sense of classic, nostalgic filmmaking.

Exploring Faith and Culture in *Seeking Beauty*

Perhaps his most surprising and personal project is the new EWTN+ travel series, *Seeking Beauty*. This documentary series follows Henrie across historically rich cities in Europe, including Italy and Spain.

In *Seeking Beauty*, Henrie shifts his focus from Hollywood fiction to real-world exploration, documenting his journey to uncover how art, culture, and faith are reflections of God. The first episode of the series premiered at the Vatican, and the show is set to debut on EWTN+'s streaming platform on January 19, 2026, making it one of the most current projects in the entertainment landscape.

Faith, Family, and Philanthropy: His Life Beyond Hollywood

David Henrie’s public life is now as much about his personal values as it is about his on-screen roles. His commitment to his wife, Maria Cahill, and his three children—Pia, James, and Gemma—is a central theme in his recent interviews and career choices.

A Dedicated Family Man

Henrie has openly discussed the challenges and joys of fatherhood, calling the role of "dad" his favorite. He and his wife, Maria Cahill, have been candid about their journey to parenthood, which included multiple miscarriages before the birth of their first child, Pia.

In a fun, recent update, Henrie revealed that his wife, Maria, has been offering wedding planning advice to his former co-star and long-time friend, Selena Gomez, highlighting the strong, enduring bond between the *Wizards* cast members.

Box of Joy Ambassador

Henrie's Catholic faith is a driving force behind his professional and philanthropic work. He serves as an ambassador for the "Box of Joy" ministry, an initiative by Cross Catholic Outreach.

This mission involves collecting and sending Christmas gifts to impoverished children in developing countries. His involvement, including a trip to Guatemala with his wife, Maria, underscores his commitment to using his platform for charitable causes and reflecting his dedication to global community service.

From the magic of the Russo family to the spiritual exploration of *Seeking Beauty* and the big-screen ambition of *Monster Summer*, David Henrie is not just a former Disney star. He is a dynamic producer, director, and actor who is expertly navigating the entertainment industry on his own terms, making 2025 a pivotal year in his multi-faceted career.