Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: Where The Original Cast Is Now & The Shocking Status Of The Disney Revival In 2025
The Russo family's magical misadventures captivated an entire generation of Disney Channel viewers, but over a decade after the original series finale, the question remains: what happened to the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place? Today, December 18, 2025, the answer is more exciting than ever, as the original stars have not only launched massive, diverse careers—from global music superstardom and makeup empires to becoming a registered nurse—but are also officially reuniting for a highly anticipated sequel series.
The journey of Alex, Justin, and Max Russo has taken them far beyond the Waverly Sub Station, yet the magic of the show remains a powerful force. The biggest news in the Disney world is the confirmed production of the sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which promises to bring back beloved characters and introduce a new generation of wizards. Below, we dive deep into the current lives and career statuses of the core cast members, revealing their latest projects and their involvement in the exciting new revival.
The Russo Family & Friends: Complete Biography and Current Status (2025)
The original ensemble cast of Wizards of Waverly Place has pursued incredibly varied paths since the show concluded in 2012. From Hollywood A-listers to behind-the-scenes roles and even a complete career change, their post-Disney lives are a testament to their versatility. Here is the most up-to-date profile on the main cast members, including their involvement in the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place sequel.
- Selena Gomez (Alex Russo): Born July 22, 1992.
- Current Status: Global pop superstar, actress, producer, and entrepreneur.
- Post-Wizards Career Highlights: Leading role and executive producer of the critically acclaimed Hulu series Only Murders in the Building (2021–present); founder of the successful makeup brand Rare Beauty; released hit songs like "Lose You to Love Me" and "Single Soon"; starred in films such as The Dead Don't Die and A Rainy Day in New York.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Involvement: Confirmed to return as a guest star and serve as an executive producer for the new series.
- David Henrie (Justin Russo): Born July 11, 1989.
- Current Status: Actor, writer, producer, and director.
- Post-Wizards Career Highlights: Starred in films including Grown Ups 2 and Little Boy; directed the feature film This Is the Year; focused on family life, often sharing updates with fans.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Involvement: Confirmed as a series regular and executive producer, reprising his role as Justin Russo, who has given up his wizard powers for a normal life with a family, only to have a new magical challenge arrive.
- Jake T. Austin (Max Russo): Born December 3, 1994.
- Current Status: Actor, voice actor, and philanthropist.
- Post-Wizards Career Highlights: Starred as Jesus Foster in the Freeform series The Fosters; voice role as the lead character in the animated film Rio and its sequel, Rio 2; appeared in the film The Emoji Movie.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Involvement: Confirmed to be returning for the sequel, delighting fans who were eager to see the youngest Russo wizard back on screen.
- Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle): Born February 12, 1993.
- Current Status: Actress and registered nurse (RN).
- Post-Wizards Career Highlights: Continued acting in films like The In-Between and Santa Girl; notably, she earned her nursing degree and worked on the front lines in Los Angeles, inspired by her own diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. She balances her dual career as an actress and a healthcare professional.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Involvement: Her return has not been officially confirmed, but given the involvement of the main family, a cameo for Alex's best friend is highly anticipated by the fandom.
- Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo): Born September 28, 1966.
- Current Status: Veteran actress and voice artist.
- Post-Wizards Career Highlights: Extensive voice work, including reprising her role as Laurel in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder; starred in the film Seven Cemeteries; played a recurring role in the series Cristela.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Involvement: Confirmed to reprise her role as the Russo family matriarch, Theresa Russo, ensuring the new series maintains the original family dynamic.
- David DeLuise (Jerry Russo): Born November 11, 1969.
- Current Status: Actor and director.
- Post-Wizards Career Highlights: Directed several episodes of the original Wizards series; appeared in various TV shows and films; hosts the popular Wizards of Waverly Pod with Jennifer Stone.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Involvement: Reports indicate he is also listed in the cast of the new show, suggesting the entire original Russo family unit will be making an appearance.
The Magic Returns: What We Know About 'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place'
The announcement of a sequel series, officially titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, has been the most significant and exciting development for fans in over a decade. The new show is not a simple reboot but a true continuation of the Russo family's story, focusing primarily on the character of Justin Russo.
The premise centers on Justin Russo, who, years after winning the family wizard competition, has chosen to live a completely normal, mortal life with his wife and two sons. He has abandoned his wizard powers and responsibilities. However, his quiet life is upended when a powerful young wizard, Billie, needs his help and guidance. This forces Justin to confront his past and re-enter the magical world he tried to leave behind. The new series is set to air on Disney Channel and Disney+ and is a major focus for the network's 2025 lineup.
The involvement of the original cast is what truly sets this revival apart and provides immense topical authority. David Henrie is not only starring but also heavily involved as an executive producer, indicating a commitment to maintaining the spirit of the original show. Selena Gomez's role as a guest star and executive producer ensures that the character of Alex Russo will be integral to launching the new narrative, likely serving as a bridge between the old and new generations of wizards. The return of Theresa (Maria Canals-Barrera) and Max (Jake T. Austin) confirms that the core family unit will be present, even if in a supporting capacity, grounding the sequel in the beloved dynamics of the original.
From Pop Star to RN: The Surprising Post-Disney Careers of the Cast
While the revival is the headline news, the individual career paths of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast members are equally fascinating and demonstrate a pivot toward diverse interests and passions. The show was a launching pad, but the stars have since carved out distinct and impressive niches in Hollywood and beyond.
Selena Gomez: The Mogul and Producer
Selena Gomez has successfully transitioned from Disney star to a multi-hyphenate mogul. Her career has been defined by strategic moves in music, acting, and entrepreneurship. Her work on Only Murders in the Building alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short has earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a serious actress and producer. Furthermore, her Rare Beauty brand has become a powerhouse in the cosmetics industry, focusing on mental health advocacy and inclusivity, which resonates strongly with her global fanbase. Her continued success in 2025 makes her the undisputed breakout star of the cast, and her return to the wizarding world is a massive win for the sequel.
Jennifer Stone: The Healthcare Hero
Perhaps the most unexpected and inspiring career pivot belongs to Jennifer Stone, who played Alex’s quirky, non-magical best friend, Harper Finkle. After her diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes, Stone felt a calling to the medical field. She pursued and earned her degree to become a registered nurse. She has since worked on the front lines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a profound commitment to public service. While maintaining her acting career, she uses her platform to advocate for diabetes awareness and management. This dual-career path—balancing the glamour of Hollywood with the dedication of a healthcare professional—is a unique and powerful story that adds significant depth to the cast's current narrative.
David Henrie: The Family Man and Filmmaker
David Henrie, who played the straight-laced Justin Russo, has focused on both his family and his career behind the camera. As a husband and father, he often shares his family life with fans, fostering a wholesome public image. Professionally, he has explored writing and directing, with his directorial debut, This Is the Year, showcasing his creative vision. His decision to spearhead the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place sequel is a clear indication of his passion for the franchise and a desire to honor the legacy of the Russo family, making him the central figure in the new magical chapter.
The return of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast in 2025 is more than just a nostalgic reunion; it's a convergence of incredibly successful and diverse post-show careers. The sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, is poised to be one of the most talked-about revivals of the year, driven by the enduring chemistry of the original Russo family and the star power they have cultivated over the last decade.
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