Wands at the Ready: Inside Scoop on the Selena Gomez-Led ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Sequel

Published 03/22/2024, 10:06 PM EDT

The Wizards of Waverly Place cast waved their magic wands across the Disney Channel, captivating audiences for four spellbinding seasons starting in 2007. Selena Gomez, in her breakout role as Alex Russo, charmed viewers with her portrayal of a young wizard-in-training, juggling the trials of teenage life alongside her burgeoning magical abilities. Now, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Gomez and David Henrie, who played Justin Russo, as they gear up for a long-awaited on-screen reunion.

After years of dropping hints, the magical duo is finally set to conjure up nostalgia and excitement once more, promising to sprinkle a dash of enchantment back into the hearts of viewers.

Selena Gomez does revival in an old school way with Disney

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The return of the Russo family is officially on the cards as Disney Channel gave the green light to a sequel series for Wizards of Waverly Place. With Selena Gomez and David Henrie at the helm as executive producers and reprising their iconic roles, anticipation reached a fever pitch for the show's fall debut. Gomez will make a cameo appearance as Alex Russo in the pilot episode, while Henrie will take on the mantle of series regular, setting the stage for an electrifying blend of nostalgia and fresh adventures.

Adding to the excitement are new cast members Max Matenko, Janice Le Ann Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Mimi Gianopulous, injecting a dose of novelty into the magical mix. Set against the backdrop of adult Justin's journey to balance everyday life with newfound magical responsibilities, the sequel promises a spellbinding fusion of mentorship, family dynamics, and the preservation of wizarding legacy. Production for Wizards is scheduled to commence next month in Los Angeles, with a targeted premiere later this year on both Disney Channel and Disney+.

Selena Gomez Graciously Thanks Her ‘Idol’ at AFI Awards for Making Her ‘Feel Seen and Heard’

Not just limited to a cameo, Gomez is also gearing up for a biopic that is currently in the pipeline.

Gomez goes big with a biopic

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In a thrilling revelation, Selena Gomez was announced to star as music icon Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic, as confirmed by Variety. The news followed Gomez's tantalizing tease on Instagram, where she shared a snapshot of Ronstadt's memoir, Simple Dreams. With the biopic already in the works, backed by renowned producers like John Boylan and James Keach, anticipation soared as fans eagerly awaited further casting details. Ronstadt's remarkable journey through the realms of country, rock 'n' roll, and Latin music, marked by her Grammy-winning triumphs and lifetime accolades, promises a captivating cinematic portrayal.

The decision to cast Gomez as Ronstadt was not merely a stroke of luck but a nod to their shared Mexican heritage, adding depth and resonance to Gomez's portrayal of the esteemed artist. As Gomez's own artistic journey, from her Golden Globe-nominated role in Only Murders in the Building to her Disney days in Wizards of Waverly Place, has captivated audiences, the prospect of her embodying Ronstadt's legacy sparked excitement. Meanwhile, Ronstadt's mark on the music industry, immortalized in the 2019 documentary, hinted at the profound impact her story would have on viewers. 

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Just a Day After Emmy Snub, Selena Gomez Tipped to Play a Legendary Music Artist in a Biopic

Are you all revved up for the sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Riva Khan

695 articles

Riva Khan is an entertainment reporter at NetflixJunkie. Given her love for the language and writing, she has honed her narrative skills from a young age. She loves her latest tea in Hollywood and keeps an eye on the news.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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