Just two months after Disney+ orders a pilot for a Wizards of Waverly Place sequel series, the streamer has officially greenlit a full season order.
Production is expected to begin next month with original series stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie reprising their roles of Alex and Justin Russo. Gomez and Henrie are also set to executive produce. The series will debut later this year on both Disney+ and Disney Channel.
Henrie will lead the cast of series regulars alongside Max Matenko (Platonic), who plays Justin’s youngest son, Milo. He joins the previously announced cast that also includes Janice LeAnn Brown (Bunk’d) in the lead role as a young, powerful wizard Billie; Alkaio Thiele (Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends) as Justin’s oldest son, Roman; and Mimi Gianopulos (Rutherford Falls) as Justin’s wife, Giada. Gomez will guest star in the premiere.
Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (Raven’s Home) penned the pilot and exec produce alongside Disney guru Gary Marsh (Descendants: The Rise of Red). Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain) directed and executive produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes of the series, which revolves around Justin as he choses to live a mortal life with his family. When Alex (Gomez) brings Billie to his home for help, Justin must mentor the wizard-in-training.
Wizards of Waverly Place enjoyed consistently high viewership in the United States on broadcast television and tie-ins included merchandise, a soundtrack album and video game adaptations. The show won two additional Emmys for Outstanding Children’s Program in 2009 and 2012, as well as two Artios Awards from the Casting Society of America for Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Children’s Series Programming – between 2009 and 2012. Its series finale was the most-watched final episode of any Disney Channel show.
