The Russo siblings are back to sprinkle some magic, and this time, it’s Wizards Beyond Waverly Place! That’s right, Selena Gomez and David Henrie are sliding back into their wizard robes for this spinoff series. And guess what? They’re not just waving wandsโthey’re calling the shots as executive producers too! ๐ฌโจ
Selena, the queen of multitasking, will grace us with her presence in the first episode. Why just one, you ask? Because, apparently, wizards have schedules too. Meanwhile, David is sticking around like that piece of gum on the bottom of your shoeโpersistent and ever-present as a series regular.
So how did this magical mayhem come about? Well, it wasnโt during a mystical vision or some enchanted tea party (although that wouldโve been fitting). Nope, this idea brewed over some classic wine nights. Yup, Selena, David, and Davidโs wife were busy clinking glasses and probably binging Disney+ when one of them shouted, “Wait! Why arenโt we making more Wizards?!โ
And boom, a lightbulb went offโor maybe it was just David spilling his wineโbut either way, they decided to pitch it to Disney. โIt took years of development,โ David confessed. Translation: it took years of convincing Disney execs that wizards are way cooler than whatever theyโre currently airing.
Selena, bless her nostalgic heart, said returning to her role felt like โcoming home again.โ Imagine showing up to your childhood home after a decade away, but instead of your mom handing you cookies, youโre given a script and a magic wand. โIโm just so happy to dust off my wizard powers and give them to the next generation,โ Selena cooed. Or, you know, she just needed to clear her wizard wardrobe for future projects. Either wayโnostalgia points!
And about that first day on set? According to David, it was absolutely bananas. โIt was like no time had passed,โ he said, as if they were stuck in some mystical time loop, forever doomed to live in a Disney sitcom. They heard โAction!โ and immediately transformed back into their teenage selves. No awkward โhey, remember how we were wizards onceโ momentsโjust pure magical mayhem.
But the big question: Will this show have legs? As Selena wisely put it, โWe donโt know. But if people like it, weโll see.โ Ah yes, the classic Hollywood approachโleave it to the fans. If the internet loves it (and letโs be real, they probably will), weโll get more Russo family shenanigans. If not, well, at least we got this wine-inspired fever dream.
David, ever the optimist, believes this wizard universe has more to give. โItโs such a fertile universe,โ he said. Not sure if weโre planting crops or spinning spinoffs, but hey, weโll take it.
Oh, and for all the hardcore Wizards fans out there? Disney Channel has already released some juicy behind-the-scenes action from the pilot. Go check it out if you want to see how the magic really happens (spoiler: it involves a lot of CGI).
Mark your calendars, grab your wands, and prepare your finest wizard cloaks because Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is dropping on Disney Channel and Disney+ later this year! โจ
Selena Gomez on Filming 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Spinoff: 'Felt Like I Was Home Again' https://t.co/alCskJtE17
— Variety (@Variety) August 23, 2024