Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: Where The Original Cast Is Now (2025 Updates & Sequel Details)
The Russo Family is officially back in the magical spotlight, but everything is definitely not what it seems! As of late 2025, the world of Wizards of Waverly Place has been completely revitalized with the launch of the sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. This new chapter not only brings the story forward but also sees the return of several beloved original cast members, now serving as both stars and executive producers. The show's continuation, particularly with the highly anticipated Season 2 premiering in late 2025, has reignited fan curiosity about the current lives and careers of the entire original cast, from Selena Gomez’s meteoric rise to the surprise returns of the full Russo family.
This deep dive reveals the latest, most up-to-date information on the original cast, their major career projects outside of the Disney Channel universe, and the confirmed roles they play in the new magical era.
The Original Russo Family & Friends: Biography and Latest Projects (2024–2025)
The core cast of Wizards of Waverly Place has experienced diverse career paths since the series finale in 2012. Here is a look at their professional lives as of 2025, detailing their most recent and upcoming projects, including their involvement in the sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
- Selena Gomez (Alex Russo)
- Role in Sequel: Guest Star (Episode 1, Season 1) and Executive Producer.
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Nominated for two Golden Globe Awards (2025) for her role in the musical film Emilia Pérez. Continues to star in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building (Mabel Mora). Also announced to star in a biopic about music legend Linda Ronstadt. Her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, continues its global expansion.
- David Henrie (Justin Russo)
- Role in Sequel: Lead Star (Series Regular) and Executive Producer. His character, Justin Russo, is now a grown-up, non-magical wizard who has married a mortal, Giada Russo (Mimi Gianopulos), and has two children, Roman and Milo. He takes on the role of a mentor to a young wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown).
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Continues to focus on directing and producing. Set to release the docuseries Seeking Beauty in 2025, expanding his work in faith-based filmmaking.
- Jake T. Austin (Max Russo)
- Role in Sequel: Confirmed to Reprise Role. While he did not appear in the first season, Austin announced his return as Max Russo via social media, leading to major anticipation for his appearance in Season 2.
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Set to star in the upcoming TV Show The Rise (2025) and appeared in the 2024 movie Killing for Extra Credit.
- Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo)
- Role in Sequel: Guest Star. She returned as Theresa Russo in a Season 1 episode, "When You Wish Upon A Squonk," and is expected to appear in Season 2.
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Provided the voice of Abuela in the 2024 animated film Dora. Continues to be a prominent voice actor and television guest star.
- David DeLuise (Jerry Russo)
- Role in Sequel: Guest Star. DeLuise has returned to reprise his role as the Russo family patriarch, Jerry Russo, for a guest appearance in the first season of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Co-hosts a popular re-watch podcast with Jennifer Stone, Wizards of Waverly Pod, which has been instrumental in keeping the show's legacy alive and fueling the sequel's creation.
- Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle)
- Role in Sequel: Unconfirmed/Highly Speculated. While her character, Alex's best friend Harper Finkle, has not yet appeared, her involvement is a major topic of fan discussion.
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Co-hosts the re-watch podcast Wizards of Waverly Pod with David DeLuise. Stone has also transitioned her career, having previously worked as a registered nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: The Sequel Series Explained
The highly anticipated sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, is not a simple reboot but a true continuation of the Russo family saga, focusing on Justin Russo's new life. The series premiered in late 2024 and was quickly renewed, with Season 2 set to debut in the fall of 2025.
The plot centers on Justin Russo, who, after choosing a mortal life with his family, is forced to re-embrace his magical roots. When a powerful young wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) seeks refuge, Justin must take on the role of a mentor, training Billie and simultaneously navigating his non-magical family's introduction to the world of wizardry.
The show successfully blends nostalgia with new storylines, setting up a fresh dynamic where David Henrie’s Justin Russo is the central figure, a stark contrast to the original series where Selena Gomez’s Alex Russo was the protagonist. This shift allows the sequel to explore new themes of mentorship, family legacy, and the difficulty of balancing a mortal life with a magical destiny.
The New Generation of Wizards and Returning Faces
While the original cast members' returns are major highlights, the success of the sequel hinges on its new cast, who represent the next generation of wizards and mortals. The new core family includes:
- Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie, a powerful young wizard under Justin's tutelage.
- Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo, Justin's eldest son.
- Max Matenko as Milo Russo, Justin's youngest son.
- Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo, Justin's mortal wife.
- Taylor Cora as Winter, Billie’s best friend.
The seamless integration of the original family has been a major draw. Selena Gomez’s return in the pilot episode was a massive, highly-publicized event, establishing the stakes of the new series. Her character, Alex Russo, is now a successful adult wizard who, along with Justin, is an executive producer, ensuring the new show remains true to the original's spirit.
Furthermore, the confirmed returns of Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo) and David DeLuise (Jerry Russo) mean that the entire Russo parental unit has been featured, providing a deep sense of family continuity and topical authority. The impending return of Jake T. Austin (Max Russo) is the final piece of the puzzle, promising a full Russo sibling reunion that fans are eagerly anticipating for Season 2.
The Legacy of Wizards of Waverly Place and Future Outlook
The original Wizards of Waverly Place, which ran from 2007 to 2012, remains one of the most successful Disney Channel series of all time, launching Selena Gomez into global superstardom and cementing the Russo family's place in pop culture history. The show's enduring appeal is evident in the massive fan excitement surrounding the sequel series and the individual careers of its stars.
The decision to bring back the original cast, not just for cameos but as central figures and creative forces (David Henrie and Selena Gomez as Executive Producers), ensures that Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is built on a foundation of genuine love and respect for the source material. This approach has allowed the sequel to successfully introduce a new generation of characters while giving the original cast meaningful, grown-up storylines.
With Season 2 of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place confirmed for a 2025 release and the potential for more original cast members like Jennifer Stone and Jake T. Austin to feature prominently, the magical world of the Russo family is healthier and more vibrant than ever before. Fans are not just catching up with old friends; they are witnessing the continuation of a beloved magical dynasty.
Detail Author:
- Name : Horacio Mosciski
- Username : mhayes
- Email : schaden.zion@stokes.com
- Birthdate : 1980-12-21
- Address : 69061 Sanford Park Maudmouth, NC 50228
- Phone : +12702085072
- Company : Hoppe-McCullough
- Job : Postsecondary Teacher
- Bio : Itaque nihil voluptatibus ab eos. Tempore provident officia animi veniam.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/laurie.watsica
- username : laurie.watsica
- bio : Eos voluptatum rerum libero qui alias ad voluptates. In molestiae delectus sed odio laudantium. Consectetur quam vel vero dolor.
- followers : 355
- following : 208
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/laurie.watsica
- username : laurie.watsica
- bio : Omnis quam ducimus qui quo.
- followers : 6203
- following : 2024
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/watsica2017
- username : watsica2017
- bio : Corrupti alias sint et quod et qui similique. Culpa qui eum tempore aperiam.
- followers : 4093
- following : 689
