7 Shocking Secrets And Updates About The Wizards Of Waverly Place Sequel: What Alex And Justin Russo Are Up To Now

The magic is officially back! After more than a decade since the beloved Disney Channel Original Series concluded, the Russo family's world is expanding with a brand-new sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. As of December 2025, the highly anticipated show is one of the biggest television events, promising to blend nostalgic charm with a fresh, adult storyline. This new chapter was first announced in January 2024, sending fans of the original show into a frenzy, especially with the confirmation of key cast members returning to their iconic roles. The new series will shift the focus from the original trio to an adult Justin Russo, but don't worry, his mischievous little sister will still be making an appearance. The new series is set to premiere on the Disney Channel.

This article dives deep into every confirmed detail about the sequel, the surprising plot twist for Justin Russo, who is returning (and who isn't), and the current lives of the original cast members. Prepare to have your curiosity satisfied with the freshest, most up-to-date information on the Russo family's next magical adventure.

The Complete Russo Family: Original Cast Biography & Current Status

The original cast of Wizards of Waverly Place has moved on to impressive careers in music, acting, directing, and business. Here is a look at the core cast, their iconic roles, and their current professional endeavors, including their involvement in the new sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

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• Selena Gomez (Alex Russo):
  • Role: The middle child, a witty, mischievous, and often rebellious wizard who eventually wins the Family Wizard Competition.
  • Current Status: Returns as Alex Russo for the pilot episode of the sequel series and serves as an executive producer. Gomez is a global superstar, an acclaimed actress (Only Murders in the Building), a successful singer, and the founder of the billion-dollar beauty brand Rare Beauty.
  • Sequel Involvement: Executive Producer and Guest Star.
• David Henrie (Justin Russo):
  • Role: The eldest sibling, an intelligent, rule-following, and highly skilled wizard.
  • Current Status: Stars as the lead in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, playing an adult Justin Russo. Henrie has also ventured into directing and is a father in real life, mirroring his new on-screen role.
  • Sequel Involvement: Lead Actor and Executive Producer.
• Jake T. Austin (Max Russo):
  • Role: The youngest Russo sibling, known for his goofy antics and often being the source of comedic relief.
  • Current Status: Austin has confirmed he will be returning to the Wizards universe, though the extent of his role as Max Russo has yet to be fully detailed. He has continued acting in films and TV shows like The Fosters.
  • Sequel Involvement: Confirmed to return.
• Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle):
  • Role: Alex Russo's eccentric, fashion-forward, and loyal best friend, a mortal who eventually learns about the Russo family's secret.
  • Current Status: Stone is a mental health advocate and has pursued a career in nursing.
  • Sequel Involvement: As of the latest reports, Jennifer Stone is not returning for the sequel series, which makes sense given that her primary connection, Alex, is only a guest star.
• Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo):
  • Role: The mortal mother of the Russo children, who runs the Sub Station with her husband.
  • Current Status: Canals-Barrera has had a steady career in television and voice acting.
  • Sequel Involvement: Her return has not been officially confirmed, but given the family focus, fans are hopeful.
• David DeLuise (Jerry Russo):
  • Role: The former wizard father who gave up his powers to marry a mortal, training his children for the Family Wizard Competition.
  • Current Status: DeLuise continues to act and direct.
  • Sequel Involvement: His return has not been officially confirmed.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: A Deep Dive into the Sequel Plot

The new series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, is not a simple reboot; it’s a direct continuation, or sequel, that catches up with the Russo family years after the original show's finale. The core premise revolves around Justin Russo, the former wizard champion, and his completely new life.

The plot begins after an undisclosed, mysterious incident at WizTech, the wizard training academy. This event causes Justin Russo to make a drastic, life-altering decision: he chooses to leave his wizard powers behind completely. He is now living a fully mortal life with his wife, Mimi (played by Mimi Gianopulos), and their two sons, Roman and Milo, in a normal, non-magical setting. Justin is focused on a stable career and providing a safe, mundane life for his family, far from the chaos of the Wizard World.

The central conflict is ignited when a powerful young wizard named Billie (played by Janice LeAnn Brown) unexpectedly appears on Justin’s doorstep, seeking his help. Billie needs training, which forces Justin to confront his past and re-engage with the magical life he tried so hard to escape. This is the catalyst that brings magic back into the Russo family’s world, and it is a fascinating twist on the original show's premise. The title itself, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, suggests the story will take the magic far outside the familiar confines of the Waverly Sub Station.

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The New Generation of Wizards and Returning Favorites

While the sequel focuses heavily on Justin Russo, the introduction of a new cast is crucial for establishing the next generation of the Wizard World. The new ensemble cast brings fresh energy and new dynamics to the show, ensuring it appeals to both nostalgic fans and new viewers.

The New Cast Members:

• Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie: She is the powerful young wizard who seeks out Justin for training, representing the new magical apprentice role.
• Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo: One of Justin's two sons, he will likely be one of the new characters navigating the discovery of magic.
• Mimi Gianopulos as Mimi Russo: Justin's mortal wife, whose perspective will be key to grounding the magical chaos in the real world, much like Theresa Russo did in the original series.

The biggest news for longtime fans is the return of Selena Gomez as Alex Russo. Her role, while not a series regular, is pivotal. Alex is the one who brings Billie to Justin, effectively kicking off the entire series. This setup is brilliant, as it uses the fan-favorite character to bridge the gap between the original show and the sequel. Alex, always the one to stir up trouble, is now the one forcing her responsible older brother, Justin, back into the magical fray. This dynamic between the Russo siblings—Alex the free spirit and Justin the reluctant adult—is what fans loved most about the original series, and its continuation is a strong sign of the sequel's potential success. The confirmed return of Jake T. Austin (Max Russo) further cements the family reunion aspect, promising even more nostalgic moments.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Legacy of Wizards of Waverly Place

Wizards of Waverly Place holds a unique and powerful place in pop culture history. It ran for four seasons, from 2007 to 2012, and remains one of the most successful Disney Channel Original Series (DCOS) of all time. The show's success was not just due to its magical premise but its focus on relatable family dynamics. The core conflict of three siblings competing for the title of Family Wizard created high-stakes drama while maintaining a strong sense of sibling rivalry and love. Entities like the Sub Station, WizTech, and the Family Wizard Competition became household names for an entire generation.

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The original series launched Selena Gomez into superstardom, paving the way for her career as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur. Her involvement, even as an executive producer, is a testament to the show's lasting impact and her commitment to its legacy. The decision to center the sequel around David Henrie's Justin Russo is a smart move, focusing on the character who always took the wizarding world most seriously, creating a natural progression for the show's narrative. This sequel series, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, is set to premiere in late 2024, continuing a legacy that has captivated millions and proving that the magic of the Russo family is truly timeless.