After a long hiatus of 12 years, fans of the hit show “Wizards of Waverly Place” can rejoice as the beloved characters are back in a new series titled “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.” The new series follows a grown-up Justin, played by David Henrie, and his mortal family consisting of Mimi Gianopulos, Max Matenko, and Alkaio Thiele, who now reside on Staten Island. When Alex, portrayed by Selena Gomez, brings a young wizard named Billie, played by Janice LeAnn Brown, to Justin for training and guidance, the Russo family dynamic is once again at the center of the story.
Bringing back a beloved show like “Wizards of Waverly Place” was no easy task, but the key to its revival was reuniting some of the original members both in front of and behind the camera. David Henrie and Selena Gomez not only star in the series but also serve as executive producers. Additionally, many of the show’s original artisans, such as director Jody Hahn, special effects artist Justin Krauss, and costume supervisor Gelareh Medge, returned to recreate the magic of the original series.
One aspect that was carefully considered in the revival of the show was the costumes. Gelareh Medge worked closely with costume designer Julie Rhine to update the characters’ looks based on where they would be now. Selena Gomez, whose star power has risen significantly since the original series, had specific preferences for her character’s wardrobe, wanting to stay true to the character’s essence without overdressing. Justin’s preppy style was also given a modern twist, while the new characters, Roman and Milo, were dressed to reflect their individual personalities.
Creating the look for Billie, played by Janice LeAnn Brown, proved to be a challenge as her character holds the fate of the world in her hands. The balance between a youthful, carefree wizard and a relatable teen was crucial in defining Billie’s wardrobe.
Director Jody Hahn reflected on the evolution of visual effects in the series, from learning new techniques in the original show to seamlessly incorporating them in the revival. Special effects artist Justin Krauss emphasized the importance of practical effects in creating a realistic interaction between the actors and the visual effects, maintaining the show’s unique charm.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” airs on the Disney Channel every Tuesday and can be streamed on Disney+ and Disney on Demand on Wednesdays. Fans can look forward to reuniting with their favorite characters and discovering new magical adventures in this exciting revival of a beloved series.
