One of Disney’s most popular teen entries gets a reboot Tuesday with “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” which boasts the return of its original stars, David Henrie and Selena Gomez.
“This happened really organically,” said Henrie, 35, who starred as Justin Russo. “Selena and I have been just hanging out over the years and have spent so much time together.
“All along the way, as we’re hanging out, we’re talking about the show, about all these great memories. And then we’re talking about the future and what our characters would be up to. We’re just having a glass of wine, joking around.
“So there was no plan to do a sequel show. But it’s been like 16 or 17 years since the original. I have kids now. The fans of the original show are having kids. Like, why not pass down the wonderful spirit of that original show that made it special to a new generation?
“But at the same time, give a big, warm hug to the original fans. We both felt the calling to do that. So at a certain point, we did.
“We went into development with Disney and got to the point that we’re at now. It took time, years of development. I feel really good about it.”
In “Wizards Beyond” Henrie again plays Justin Russo, the same character he created, only with kids and a wife. And initially, they don’t know that he’s a wizard.
“That’s a fun plot point the original fans will love. Because if you’re a fan of the original show, you know what was very important to Justin was his wizarding life.
“So to suddenly see him keeping secrets from his family, you’re going to be ‘What! Why?’ And that’s a big part of the first season.
“That mystery is called the unicorn incident, and it’s a sore spot for Justin that will slowly unravel through the first season.”
As for his own relationship to the series, did he want to go on and be recognized for something else?
“Certainly,” he said, “there’s a temptation to think that way. But I learned to let go of that, because it can create ill feelings.
“Selena’s done all sorts of amazing things” – at 32, she stars in the ongoing “Only Murders in the Building” series and was named Best Actress in the Cannes-winning musical movie “Emilia Perez.”
“She says the only thing fans want to talk about is the ‘Wizards of Waverly,’ which she loves. So at the end of the day, if you’re known for one thing, what else are we in this business for?
“You want to create something special that can touch people’s hearts. So for me, I love and appreciate it.”
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” premieres two episodes Oct. 29 on the Disney Channel. The first eight episodes will be available on Disney+ Oct. 30.