Since its premiere in 2007, “Wizards of Waverly Place” has remained a part of Disney Channel’s lineup of popular series. The show follows the Russo family, who run a New York sandwich shop while secretly training their children wizardry. Since the show’s finale in 2012, cast members have remained open to a sequel.
During a press conference, David Henrie said there was a lot of pressure and anticipation regarding “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.”
“When the announcement came out that we were doing this, the internet stopped working for a quick moment.” – David Henrie, executive producer and Justin Russo in “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”
On Oct. 29, the Russo family returned in “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” for the upcoming generation to watch as Justin Russo (David Henrie) makes an attempt at a normal wizard-free life. With both David Henrie and Selena Gomez on board as executive producers, the on-screen siblings fell right back into their old ways with the witty banter.
Justin Russo works as a vice-principal and has two children, Roman and Milo (Alkaio Thiele and Max Matenko), with his wife Giada (Mimi Gianopulos). When his sister, Alex Russo (Selena Gomez), shows up with a problematic but powerful wizard, Billie (Janice LeAnne Brown), looking for a new mentor, Justin has no choice but to return to the Lair.
With Billie in the house, the three children quickly fall into the same dynamic as Alex, Justin and Max Russo.
For the generation that grew up with “Wizards of Waverly Place,” mixed reviews are being given.
Vintage Cup barista and fan of “Wizards of Waverly Place,” Jennifer Roland, said, “Watching the show isn’t like what it used to be. It makes me sad to see that, even though Selena Gomez won’t be in the show very often, they made her a rule follower. Which is something Alex would’ve never done, even as the family wizard.”
Brayden Vantine-Bouchard, employee at Blue Beacon, said that though the show is enjoyable, he wishes that there was continuity.
“I liked the show initially, but there are a lot of plot holes from the original that seem to stay open the more I watch. I hope that season two answers some of those questions,” said Vantine-Bouchard.
Critic for Decider Magazine, Joel Keller, said, “‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ will give the adults who were fans of the original series the proper nostalgia hit, but it also has more than enough laughs for the kids who are entering this world for the first time.”
