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Wizards of Waverly Place: Selena Gomez and David Henrie Lead Sequel for Disney

Wizards of Waverly Place

Disney’s beloved comedy, “Wizards of Waverly Place,” is set to charm audiences once again with a sequel. Disney Branded Television has greenlit a pilot for the new series, bringing back original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie as executive producers. In the pilot, Gomez will reprise her role as Alex Russo in a guest appearance, while Henrie will return as Justin Russo, a series regular. They will be joined by a fresh line-up including Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Mimi Gianopulos.

Janice LeAnn Brown, known from Disney’s “Just Roll with It,” will lead the series as Billie, a young wizard mentored by Justin. Thiele, from “Call Me Kat,” will portray Justin’s eldest son, Roman Russo, and Gianopulos, recognized from “American Princess,” will star as Justin’s wife, Giada.

The project also boasts an impressive production team. Alongside Gomez and Henrie, Gary Marsh, known for “Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red,” and Andy Fickman of “Race to Witch Mountain” fame will serve as executive producers, with Fickman also directing.

Gary Marsh, a former top executive at Disney Channels, played a pivotal role in the success of the original “Wizards of Waverly Place” series and in launching Gomez’s career following her discovery at a casting call in Dallas.

The original “Wizards of Waverly Place,” created by Todd J. Greenwald and aired from 2007-2012, followed the Russo siblings as they juggled typical teenage life with developing their magical skills. The show’s cast also included Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera, and David DeLuise. Most of the original cast, except Henrie, reunited for a TV special in 2013, “The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex.”

The announcement of the sequel pilot comes after years of speculation and anticipation from fans online. This move aligns with Disney Branded Television’s strategy to bolster the lineup of Disney Channel with more multi-camera sitcoms.

Currently, Gomez is engaged with Disney as a star and executive producer on the Hulu/20th TV hit comedy series “Only Murders In the Building.” Representations for the cast include Lighthouse Management + Media, WME, JSSK for Gomez, Untitled for Henrie, Eris Talent Agency and MB Talent & Entertainment Management for Brown, DDO Artists Agency for Thiele, and Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners for Gianopulos.

This report includes contributions from Nellie Andreeva.

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