Wizards of Waverly Place is officially getting the sequel series treatment.
Two months after handing out a pilot order for Wizards, Ayo Davis’ Disney Branded Television banner has handed out a formal series order for the sequel series. The show will premiere this year on both Disney Channel and Disney+.
Wizards production will begin next month in L.A. and feature Selena Gomez and David Henrie reprising their roles as Alex and Justin Russo. Both will exec produce the series. 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.
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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 chooses 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 captivated hearts with its spellbinding adventures and big laughs, creating unforgettable memories for kids and families everywhere,” said Davis, who serves as president of Disney Branded Television. “We can’t wait to step back into the magical world of Wizards, inviting both longtime fans and a new generation to experience the enchantment alongside Selena, David and our incredible cast and crew.”
Wizards of Waverly Place launched Gomez’s career and was among a roster of Disney Channel mega-hits that also included Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire and That’s So Raven, among others. With the series launching on linear as well as streaming, it will help to boost Disney Channel’s roster of live-action comedy output that includes the final season of Bunk’d, Raven’s Home, The Villains of Valley View and Pretty Freekin’ Scary.
Disney Branded Television, which serves as one of the Mouse House’s internal studios, has been on a roll of late with hits including Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Goosebumps, both of which were renewed for second seasons. The latter, which has been turned into an anthology, this week cast Friends favorite David Schwimmer to lead its second season.
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