David Henrie and Selena Gomez have set a non-negotiable goal for their latest project, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: creating a strong sense of community among the cast. During a recent tour of the Disney Channel reboot set, Henrie reflected on the cherished memories from the original series, Wizards of Waverly Place, which aired from 2007 to 2012.
Over the years, the original cast developed a family-like bond, and when Henrie and Gomez successfully pitched the reboot three to four years ago, they were determined to recreate that same atmosphere with a new generation of young talent.
“Our cast is fantastic,” Henrie shared about his new co-stars. “It feels like a season 3 show already, where everyone is comfortable with each other. There’s a warm, supportive environment, which I believe is what made the original series so special—we were a family on screen and off.”
From the very beginning, Henrie emphasized that fostering a family-like atmosphere in the workplace was a shared priority between him and Gomez. “We wanted to create a space filled with love and encouragement, and I think we’ve accomplished that. I believe audiences will sense that when they watch the show,” he said.
The reboot’s official synopsis reveals that the story picks up after a mysterious event at WizTech, where Justin Russo, now an adult, has chosen to live a normal life without his wizarding powers alongside his wife and two sons. However, his world changes when a powerful young wizard in need of guidance shows up at his doorstep, forcing Justin to reconnect with his magical past to secure the future of the Wizarding World.
New cast members include Janice LeAnn Brown as the young wizard Billie, Alkaio Thiele as Justin’s eldest son Roman, Max Matenko as his youngest son Milo, and Mimi Gianopulos as Justin’s wife Giada.
Thiele expressed appreciation for Henrie’s welcoming nature, stating, “He made it clear that we belong here. This is our home, and we’re safe. If you make a mistake, it’s okay—we’re all family, and you can always try again.”
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 29, at 8 p.m. ET on Disney Channel and will also be available for streaming on Disney+. With a focus on camaraderie and a supportive environment, Henrie and Gomez aim to bring the magic of family back to the screen for a new generation of fans.
