Where Is Maxine Russo Now? The Untold Story Of Bailee Madison's Role In Wizards Of Waverly Place And Her 2024 Career Updates

The character of Maxine Russo remains one of the most memorable and unique plot twists in the entire run of the original *Wizards of Waverly Place*. Appearing in a significant arc during Season 4, this temporary, gender-swapped version of Max Russo captured the hearts of fans, largely thanks to the phenomenal performance by actress Bailee Madison. As of December 2025, with the highly anticipated sequel series, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, dominating current Disney Channel news, curiosity about Maxine’s fate and the current career of the actress who played her has reached a fever pitch.

The arc introduced a creative way to shake up the Russo family dynamic, putting the youngest wizard, Max, in an unprecedented magical predicament. While the original series concluded over a decade ago, Bailee Madison’s career has only accelerated, making her one of the most successful Disney Channel guest stars today. Her recent projects, including a major role in a popular mystery series, keep her firmly in the spotlight, prompting fans to wonder if a return to the wizarding world is possible.

Bailee Madison: Biography, Filmography, and 2025 Career Snapshot

Bailee Madison is an American actress, producer, and singer who has successfully transitioned from a celebrated child star to a leading lady in both film and television. Her early career was marked by critically acclaimed dramatic roles before her memorable turn on the Disney Channel.

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• Full Name: Bailee Madison Riley Galecke
• Date of Birth: October 15, 1999
• Place of Birth: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Singer
• Years Active: 2006–present
• Notable Early Roles: May Belle Aarons in *Bridge to Terabithia* (2007), Sally Hurst in *Don't Be Afraid of the Dark* (2010).
• Major TV Roles: Maxine Russo in *Wizards of Waverly Place* (2011–2012), Young Snow White in *Once Upon a Time* (2012–2013), Sophia Quinn in *The Fosters* (2014–2016), Grace Russell in *Good Witch* (2015–2021).
• Current/Recent Projects (2024–2025): She is currently starring as Imogen Adams in the HBO Max series *Pretty Little Liars: Summer School* (2024), continuing her success in the mystery-drama genre. Madison is also preparing for upcoming film projects in 2025, solidifying her status as a prolific actress.
• Awards and Recognition: Multiple Young Artist Award nominations and wins, including a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for *Brothers*.

The Magical Mishap: Why Max Russo Transformed into Maxine

The character of Maxine Russo was introduced in the final season of *Wizards of Waverly Place* as a consequence of a magical blunder, a classic trope for the Russo siblings, Alex and Justin.

The story arc begins when Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) and Justin Russo (David Henrie) accidentally turn their younger brother, Max Russo (Jake T. Austin), into a little girl. This transformation was not permanent but lasted for six episodes of Season 4, allowing Bailee Madison to step into the role of "Maxine." The show utilized this plot device to temporarily replace the mischievous Max with a new, equally chaotic female sibling.

Maxine's personality was a delightful blend of Max's original mischievousness, combined with a new, distinct energy. She was still the youngest wizard-in-training, but her temporary female form allowed the show to explore different comedic dynamics within the Russo family, particularly with parents Jerry Russo and Theresa Russo, and the best friend, Harper Finkle.

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The transformation was a key element in the show's willingness to refresh its narrative in its final season, providing a fun, albeit temporary, change to the core cast. Ultimately, the Russo family managed to reverse the spell, and Max returned to his original form to continue the journey toward the ultimate Wizard Competition.

Maxine's Future: Will Bailee Madison Return for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?

The launch of the sequel series, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, has reignited fan discussions about the return of many beloved characters, including Maxine Russo. The new series focuses primarily on Justin Russo, who has given up his wizard powers to live a normal life with his family, only to have his powers reignited by a young, powerful wizard named Billie.

The Status of the Original Max Russo

While Maxine’s original form, Max Russo, played by Jake T. Austin, is not a series regular, his fate has been addressed in the new show. Max, having lost his powers in the Wizard Competition, is now a successful, power-less millionaire running the family's sub shop corporation, the Waverly Sub Station, across the world.

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This explanation for Max’s absence leaves the door open for a potential guest appearance, but it also raises the question: if Max is a successful billionaire, where does that leave his temporary alter-ego, Maxine?

Bailee Madison's Comments on the Reboot

Bailee Madison has been open about her time on *Wizards of Waverly Place* and her awareness of the sequel. At fan conventions and in interviews, the actress has reminisced about the fun of playing Maxine and working alongside Selena Gomez and David Henrie.

While there is no official announcement regarding her return, Madison has expressed a fondness for the character and the show. In the past, she has even shared her own creative ideas for a hypothetical reboot, demonstrating her lasting connection to the Disney Channel universe.

Given the showrunners' efforts to bring back key original cast members, and the widespread fan love for the Maxine arc, a guest appearance by Bailee Madison as Maxine in a flashback, or perhaps a temporary magical reappearance, is a possibility that would delight the fan base. Her current success in major television franchises like *Pretty Little Liars* makes her a high-profile target for a nostalgic cameo.

The Lasting Impact of Maxine Russo

Despite appearing in only a handful of episodes, Maxine Russo created a significant and lasting impact on the *Wizards of Waverly Place* fandom. Her introduction showcased the show's ability to take risks and inject fresh energy into its established formula. The arc is frequently cited in discussions about the most creative plot points of the series.

The temporary character allowed the show to explore new comedic angles, particularly how Alex and Justin dealt with a younger, female sibling who possessed the same chaotic energy as their brother. The performance by Bailee Madison was instrumental in making the character feel fully formed and not just a gimmick. Her ability to capture the essence of Max Russo while putting a new spin on the character is a testament to her acting talent.

As the new series, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, continues to unfold, the legacy of Maxine Russo, and the current success of Bailee Madison, serve as a powerful reminder of the deep well of talent and creativity that made the original Disney Channel series a global phenomenon.

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