After more than a decade since their magical journey on "Wizards of Waverly Place" concluded, Selena Gomez and David Henrie are revisiting their enchanted origins in a sequel series titled "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place." This sequel follows an adult Justin Russo (played by Henrie), who has chosen to embrace a mundane, mortal life with his family—until his sister Alex (portrayed by Gomez) introduces him to Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), a wizard-in-training in desperate need of Justin's guidance.
"It truly felt like a homecoming," Gomez shared with The Hollywood Reporter at the Los Angeles premiere of the show on Monday. "It was hilarious because when I showed my mom the footage, she burst into laughter. She said, 'You two still have the magic!' I believe we bring out the best in each other."
In addition to their on-screen appearances, Gomez and Henrie serve as executive producers, infusing their extensive experiences as child actors into the next generation of performers. "We've been in this industry for a long time, and we strive to impart our best experiences when working with young individuals—especially kids," Henrie elaborated. "For me, creating an atmosphere that nurtures their potential is paramount. It's been fantastic; we've assembled an incredibly talented young cast who continues to surpass expectations."
Gomez added, regarding her support for the young ensemble, "I believe the most valuable thing I can offer is the love and support they'll need during this pivotal time. Hopefully, this will be a transformative experience for them."
The duo also reminisced about their long-standing friendship, which blossomed when "Wizards of Waverly Place" premiered, with Gomez at 15 and Henrie at 18. "For me, having someone in my life who knew me before fame is invaluable," Gomez said about their bond. "While most of my friends are those I've grown to love and trust, David was there during my initial encounters with fame. He's seen me through it all and always tells me the truth, which I appreciate."
Henrie echoed, "We've been friends for years, and having a shared history before major events adds a profound sense of connection. As Gomez playfully teased, 'He's stuck with me,' Henrie smiled, acknowledging their unbreakable bond.
"Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" premieres on Tuesday on Disney Channel and will be accessible on Disney+ from Wednesday onwards.
