Selena Gomez, the celebrated star from Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, has officially returned as Alex Russo in the reboot, Wizards Beyond. This new series serves not only as a tribute to fans of the original show but also as an opportunity for Gomez and her former co-star David Henrie to reunite and bring a fresh twist to this magical story. Featuring both old and new cast members, Wizards Beyond promises to be a nostalgic “gift” for longtime fans while introducing a new world to younger viewers. However, the question remains: Does Selena Gomez still bring the same appeal to Alex Russo?
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The Journey Back to the Iconic Role of Alex Russo
Selena Gomez rose to fame as Alex Russo, a witty and rebellious young wizard. Her character quickly became an icon for a generation that loved magic and family tales. More than a decade since the final episode of Wizards of Waverly Place, fans have been eager to see Selena reprise her role as Alex Russo, and Wizards Beyond provides just that.
In this new installment, Selena is no longer the central character, but her role as Alex remains crucial in guiding and supporting the younger generation. The story revolves around Billie, a young wizard played by Janice LeAnn Brown, who is taken under the wing of Alex and Justin. Selena’s return as Alex offers familiarity for longtime fans and is a testament to her growth, both as an artist and an individual.
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The Emotional Reunion of David Henrie and Selena Gomez
Alongside Selena, David Henrie returns as Justin Russo, Alex’s older brother. Both share a strong friendship off-screen, and for years, they discussed the idea of revisiting the series with a fresh approach. According to David, the decision to reboot the series was born out of natural conversations and ideas shared between them, with no pressure to rush it.
David Henrie shares, “We want this project to be a big, warm hug for the original fans. It’s a way for us to express our gratitude to the old audience and extend an invitation to new viewers.” Selena and David, who also serve as executive producers, work closely with the young cast, creating a supportive and inspiring environment.
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A Fresh Cast and Expanded Storyline
Wizards Beyond not only marks the return of Selena and David but also introduces a new generation of young wizards. The character Billie, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown, mirrors the rebellious nature of a young Alex Russo. This new character is mentored by both Justin and Alex, while Justin also has two sons, Milo and Roman, and a wife, Giada. The combination of old and new characters creates a family atmosphere that appeals to both original fans and new viewers.
Selena admires Janice’s performance and believes Billie will be just as beloved as Alex. “Billie has a unique charm that’s different from mine but strongly connected to Alex,” says Selena.
Special Appearances by Disney Stars
The premiere of Wizards Beyond brought together not only the main cast but also notable Disney stars like Gregg Sulkin from Wizards of Waverly Place, Jason Earles and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from Hannah Montana, and Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman from High School Musical. Their presence reinforces the powerful impact of Disney in the hearts of viewers and signals that Wizards Beyond will continue the legacy of Disney classics.
Gregg Sulkin expressed his joy at seeing the new young stars under David Henrie’s guidance. “David is my best friend and a great mentor. I believe the young cast will learn a lot from him,” he says.
Director Danielle Fishel’s Insightful Guidance
Another notable addition to the reboot is Danielle Fishel, who directed two episodes. With her experience from Girl Meets World, Fishel brought valuable insights, creating a safe space for young actors. She expressed admiration for Selena and David, describing them as passionate and inspirational leaders. “Even though I’m older than them, I have great respect for their careers and personalities. Working with them was a true honor,” she says.
Selena Gomez’s return as Alex Russo is not merely a publicity stunt but a heartfelt journey down memory lane. Wizards Beyond offers a fresh story while retaining the spirit of the original series, bridging the gap between old and new fans. Beyond magic and family themes, the series conveys meaningful messages about friendship and support. With the return of beloved characters and the leadership of prominent Disney stars, Wizards Beyond is sure to satisfy both longtime fans and younger audiences alike.
