The Ultimate Guide To The 'Wizards Of Waverly Place' Cast: Where Are They Now & The 2025 Sequel Secrets

The magic is officially back, but the Russo family looks very different in 2025. The beloved Disney Channel series, *Wizards of Waverly Place*, which concluded its run over a decade ago, has been fully re-ignited by the highly anticipated sequel, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*. This new chapter has brought back fan-favorite characters while introducing a new generation of spellcasters, making the current status of the original cast one of the most talked-about topics in pop culture right now.

As of December 10, 2025, the buzz surrounding the original and new cast members is at an all-time high, especially with the upcoming Season 2 debut of the sequel series. This deep dive explores the full cast of the original show, details their surprising career paths since the series finale, and reveals everything you need to know about their roles in the modern wizarding world, including which original stars are confirmed to return to the Russo family loft.

The Original Russo Family: Full Cast & Biography Profiles

The core of *Wizards of Waverly Place* was the Russo family, a seemingly normal family running a sandwich shop in New York City while secretly training for a magical competition. The chemistry and individual journeys of these six main actors cemented the show's legacy.

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• Selena Gomez as Alex Russo

Biography: Born July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas. Gomez is arguably the most globally recognized star from the series. She played the mischievous, artistic, and ultimately victorious Russo child, Alex. Post-Disney, her career exploded across music, film, and television, establishing her as a multifaceted entity in the entertainment industry.

2025 Status: Selena Gomez is a powerhouse. She continues to dominate the music charts, and her acting career has seen critical acclaim, notably for her role as Mabel Mora in the Emmy-winning series *Only Murders in the Building*. Crucially, she is returning to the wizarding world not just as a guest star, but as an Executive Producer for *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, showcasing her commitment to the franchise's legacy.

• David Henrie as Justin Russo

Biography: Born July 10, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. Henrie portrayed the smart, rule-abiding, and often neurotic older brother, Justin Russo. His character won the family wizard competition in the original series finale, only to later become the Headmaster of WizTech.

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2025 Status: Henrie is the central figure of the new sequel series. He returns as Justin Russo, who has chosen to live a normal, mortal life with his family after giving up his wizard powers. However, he is forced back into the magical world to mentor a powerful young wizard, making him the anchor for the entire new narrative. He also serves as an Executive Producer alongside Gomez.

• Jake T. Austin as Max Russo

Biography: Born December 3, 1994, in New York City. Austin played the youngest, often clumsy, and comical Max Russo. After the series, he took on roles in films and other television series, including a starring role in the Freeform series *The Fosters*.

2025 Status: While not announced as a main cast member for the sequel, Austin has been active in independent projects. In 2024, he starred in the indie film *Draft State* and the Lifetime movie *Killing for Extra Credit*, keeping his acting portfolio diverse.

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• Jennifer Stone as Harper Finkle

Biography: Born February 9, 1993, in Arlington, Texas. Stone played Harper Finkle, Alex’s eccentric, fashion-forward, and fiercely loyal best friend who was a mortal but was often involved in the Russo’s magical hijinks.

2025 Status: Stone has taken a uniquely inspiring career path. After graduating from college, she became a registered nurse (RN), working on the front lines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remains active in the entertainment world, focusing on independent filmmaking and horror acting/directing in Dallas, Texas.

• Maria Canals-Barrera as Theresa Russo

Biography: Born September 28, 1966, in Miami, Florida. Canals-Barrera played Theresa Russo, the mortal mother of the Russo children, who often struggled to balance the magical chaos with normal family life. She is also known for voicing the title character's mother in *Elena of Avalor*.

2025 Status: She is confirmed to return alongside David DeLuise as a guest star in an upcoming episode of *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, much to the delight of fans who missed the full Russo family dynamic.

• David DeLuise as Jerry Russo

Biography: Born November 11, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. DeLuise played Jerry Russo, the former family wizard who gave up his powers to marry Theresa, becoming the primary mentor for his children.

2025 Status: DeLuise, like his on-screen wife, is confirmed to make a guest appearance in the sequel series, re-establishing the original Russo parents' presence in the new show. He has also pursued directing and continued acting in various film and television projects.

The New Chapter: 'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place' Cast Updates (2025)

The sequel, *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, has successfully transitioned the focus from the original Russo siblings to a new, diverse cast of young wizards. The series centers on Justin Russo, who, after a mysterious incident, must train a powerful, young wizard named Billie.

The series, which premiered in late 2024, has already been renewed, with Season 2 anticipated to debut on Disney Channel in late 2025, with some sources pointing to an October 8 premiere.

The New Generation of Spellcasters and the Russo Family Expansion

The new cast members are essential to carrying the franchise's topical authority forward, introducing fresh storylines and magical challenges. This new ensemble is led by the young star playing the central wizard apprentice and the actors who make up Justin's mortal family.

• Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie

Brown takes on the pivotal lead role of Billie, a powerful young wizard who seeks help from Justin Russo after a catastrophic event. Billie is the new center of the magical conflict and the key to the sequel's plot, carrying the legacy of the franchise forward.

• Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo

Gianopulos stars as Giada Russo, Justin's sharp, vivacious, and entirely mortal wife. Her character is a crucial element in the show, representing the non-magical world that Justin tried to embrace before magic inevitably returned to his life.

• Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo

Thiele plays Roman Russo, one of Justin and Giada's children. Roman is a member of the new Russo family, growing up in a world where his father attempted to suppress his magical past.

• Max Matenko as Milo Russo

Matenko portrays Milo Russo, another of Justin and Giada's children, rounding out the immediate family unit that is suddenly thrust into a magical mentorship role.

• Taylor Cora as Nova

Cora plays Nova, a new character whose role is part of the ensemble of young, powerful wizards that Justin is tasked with training. The introduction of Nova and Billie establishes a fresh dynamic for the Disney Channel universe, moving beyond the original sibling rivalry structure.

The Enduring Legacy of the 'Wizards' Franchise

The return of the Russo family and the expansion into *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* confirms the enduring appeal of the original show. The ability of the franchise to seamlessly blend comedy, family drama, and high-stakes wizardry is a testament to the original cast's performance and the creative vision of the showrunners.

The original cast members, now established stars in their own right, have diversified their careers across multiple industries. Selena Gomez's role as a producer ensures the sequel maintains the integrity of the original world, while David Henrie's return as Justin Russo provides a nostalgic bridge for longtime fans. The confirmed guest appearances by Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise ensure that the fundamental concept of the "Russo Family" remains intact, offering a meaningful connection to the past.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Alex, Justin, and Max, or a new viewer excited to meet Billie and the next generation of wizards, the magical journey of the "wizard of wizardly place cast" is far from over. With a second season of *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* on the horizon in late 2025, the wizarding world is poised for its next great spellbinding adventure.