Everything IS what it seems: Wizards of Waverly Place is getting a sequel, as first reported by Deadline.
Executive produced by on-screen siblings and original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie, the Disney Channel follow-up will see Gomez guest star in the pilot, reprising her role as Alex Russo. Meanwhile, Henrie will return as a series regular in his role of Justin Russo.
The cast of the upcoming Wizards of Waverly Place sequel will feature some fresh faces, including Janice LeAnn Brown (Disney’s Just Roll With It), Alkaio Thiele (Call Me Kat), and Mimi Gianopulos (American Princess). Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, who were behind the production of the previous Disney Channel reboot Raven’s Home, will serve as the sequel’s writers and executive producers. Gary Marsh (Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red) and Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain) will also EP, with Fickman directing.
The pilot will follow a mysterious incident at WizTech, where an adult Justin Russo has left his wizard powers behind to start a normal, wizard-free family life. When a powerful young wizard named Billie (Brown) in need of training shows up at Justin’s door, he’ll have to confront his magical past in order to save the Wizard World. Thiele is set to step into the shoes of Roman Russo, Justin’s oldest son, while Gianopulos will play Justin’s wife, Giada. It’s currently unknown whether Gomez will return for future episodes beyond the pilot.
The original series, created by Todd J. Greenwald, ran from 2007 to 2012. It followed the five members of the Russo family as the three siblings — Alex, Justin, and Max — navigated the trials and tribulations of adolescence while mastering their magical abilities, ultimately vying for the coveted title of Family Wizard. The cast also included Jake T. Austin as Max, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise, all of whom (minus Henrie), reunited for the TV special The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex in 2013.
Gomez currently stars as Mabel Mora in the Hulu hit Only Murders in the Building, which she also executive produces. The series was recently renewed for a fourth season.