Selena Gomez will have a major role inWizards Beyond Waverly Place. A revival of the originalWizards of Waverly Place, the show will follow David Henrie’s Justin Russo after a young wizard (Janice LeAnn Brown) seeks him out for support.Beyond Waverly’s release datehas already been confirmed, with two episodes airing on October 29 on Disney Channel, and the entire season releasing the next day on Disney+. Despite the explosion of her career since leaving the show, Gomez was only expected to appear in one episode.
Those expectations have already been dismissed, however. Henrie is disputing the reports, emphasizing toDeadlinethatGomez will be appearing in multiple episodes, rather than just one. He also explained that their chemistry never faded, and the two easily resumed their old dynamic, believing that they slipped into their characters easily, as if the show never ended at all. Check out his full quote below:
You’re gonna see a lot of [Selena] in multiple episodes, so I’m not sure why people keep saying she’s only in one. She’s amazing as her current self playing Alex. Like the moment before we did our first scene, we had this wonderful quiet moment, and it was like we hadn’t missed a beat back in character. Her and I always had great chemistry and great timing and great flow. It didn’t go anywhere. It was right there. It was magic.
What Role Will Selena Gomez Play In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?
Multiple Episodes Means A Significant Role
In theWizards Beyond Waverly Placetrailer, an on-screen caption refers to Gomez as an executive producer and as an “episode 1 guest star”, which is likely where the speculation of Gomez appearing in only a single episode was cemented. That she is still titled as a guest star implies thatshe will not have nearly as significant a role as Henrie, who will serve as the main star alongside Brown. She is not being billed as a leading actor, and even her appearances in the trailer are not as abundant as the other actors.
What The Cast Of Wizards Of Waverly Place Is Doing Right Now
Selena is not the only WOWP star to make it big since the show’s end. These actors have grown in their craft, built families, and found new passions.
Gomez did hint at an important roleduring the trailer, however. Her character, Alex Russo, told Billie that, “Us rebels, we got to stick together”.Leaving the show immediately after sharing that line would be a bizarre decisionand would not fit her character well. Remaining in the show would better suit Henrie’s correction and Alex’s line. Gomez’s executive producing role means that she would likely already be on set to help finance, schedule, and plan, and having her appear on-screen is only an enhancement of that role.
Gomez’s return is still a surprise, given that she has achieved extreme stardom since leaving the show. She is a successful musician and a skilled actor who has starred inOnly Murders in the Building,Hotel Transylvania, andSelena Gomez: My Mind & Me. She was also a producer for13 Reasons Why, which became extremely popular after its release. Her appearances inWizards Beyond Waverly Placeare a sign of her love for the franchise that helped her become a breakout star and represents a return to her roots as an actor.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Cast
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows adult Justin Russo, who leads a normal life until his sister Alex asks for help with a young wizard-in-training. Justin must revive his magical skills to mentor the trainee while balancing his family life and safeguarding the Wizard World’s future.
