Temple of Geek sat down with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place stars Janice LeAnn Brown (Billie) and Taylor Cora (Winter) to talk about Season 2. We talk about what will drive Billie motivations in Season 2, Winter and Billie’s friendship, what it means to them joining the Disney Channel legacy and more. The series returned with a brand new season on Disney Channel and Disney Channel On Demand. The Russo’s are about to discover the danger they thought was over just beginning.

At most Billie believed all she had to do was worry about is the Wizard Family Competition. Now she knows the prophecy is far from being stopped.

Billie’s Motivation for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

Billie’s always wanted a family. A place to belong. Even in the Wizard World she still didn’t exactly fit. After being rejected constantly you can tell Billie got so used to be leaving her, she just stopped expecting anyone to want to stay. That all changed after she met the Russo family and learned to put her trust not only in them but also herself.

Q: Due to Billie’s fear of abandonment and mistrust, her motivations in season 1 is understandable to her decision making. But the stakes are definitely higher now due to the prophecy. Now she has a found family, so how would you say her motivations have changed going into season 2?

Janice LeAnn Brown: I think Season 1 she’s a little more guarded up. And I think as days go by as she’s living with the Russo’s she’s getting a lot more comfortable with them. And I think they really motivate her. You know all she’s really wanted her whole life is a family now she finally has one. And not only just a family but she has two other wizards and a best friend to help her with the prophecy.

Even with like her style, in the beginning she was wearing a lot of skirts. Stuff I personally wouldn’t wear if I want to be comfortable. I feel like through her style there is a symbolic thing at least for me that I kinda notice. She starts to wear more jeans in season 2. I think that could really show her comfortability with the Russo’s. She got a lot going on. She is definitely very stressed out but I think she’s a little more confident in herself now that she has this amazing people by her side.

Their Favorite Guest Stars for Season 2

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is bringing a dose of nostalgia with some iconic characters making their return from “Wizards of Waverly Place”. As well as, new guest stars making their debut in the show. Whether you watched the original series or the first season of this continuation series we all have that favorite guest star that still makes us smile when we think of them.

Q: There are a lot of guest stars coming into season 2, what was your guest star that got to be on set with you guys?

Janice LeAnn Brown: They were all so amazing. One of my favorites was Sean Whalen. He played Mantooth in the original, he was so fun and such a well actor. Obviously, he’s been doing it for so long and I really learned a lot of tips and tricks from him. He’s just super sweet and fun to be around.

Taylor Cora: Yeah everyone was so talented and hilarious. I really love Amanda Tepe she was also in the original. She was so hilarious. I think all our scenes were together for the episode that she was in. We really got along and she’s so hilarious.

Janice LeAnn Brown: “Literally! She was ad-libing some of the stuff to make us laugh. I was trying so hard, we were trying so hard to stay in character. It was the best time ever.”

We’re getting some great guest stars throughout the season. I think it’d be nice if Winter’s family made an appearance too. We’ve heard a lot about them but haven’t had the opportunity to meet them. When asked on the possibility of meeting Winter’s family in the upcoming season, Cora replied, “I don’t know I hope so, you know what I mean? There’s definitely a lot of family talk I guess for Winter in season 1. I know she has at least two brothers and an older sister. I think Winter’s family would be interesting to meet.”

Friendships and Opportunities

The best part of watching Disney Channel shows has always been watching these friendships between the characters grow. Any Disney Channel fan will tell you their favorite friendship from their favorite show. When asked how has Winter and Billie’s friendship grown in Season 2, Cora states, “It’s definitely been a wild ride. Even on screen/off screen we are sister for life. I just love her so much.” Brown add, “She was literally giving me a pep talk at 2 am in the morning when she slept over. It’s definitely a sister bond.”

Love getting to see their friendship blossom off screen as well as on screen.

Many Disney Channel stars have taken the chance to expand their interest outside of acting in front of the camera to behind the camera. It’s always been incredible to see those former stars try on a different hat. Janice LeAnn Brown loves scriptwriting and definitely already has ideas for what she’d write for an episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

Q: I know you love scriptwriting. If the opportunity ever presents itself to write an episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, do you already have an idea of what that episode looks like?

Janice LeAnn Brown: Honestly yeah. Kinda a little bit. So I don’t know knew this, I’m sure you’ve probably seen in on maybe Alkaio or even Taylor’s page. We all have a little bit of musical talent a little bit. I would probably write an episode where maybe Billie or Roman…actually, I think it’d be pretty cool if Milo made a spell were all of can’t talk normally. Every time we talk we’re singing. It would be cool if we had a nice musical episode. I think I’d like to write that. It would be cool if the opportunity presents itself.

Crossover episodes are some of the most beloved by fans. When asked what show they’d like to crossover with both Cora and Brown agreed they’d love to crossover with “Electric Bloom”. Even if Electric Bloom isn’t in the same universe, I think we should make an exception so it does.

Joining the Disney Channel

There is not a person who grew up watching Disney Channel that will not be able to tell you a show or actor/actress that had a huge impact on their life from being on the network. That inspired them to be brave, to be themselves, to find friendships that matter. That raised them into who they are.

Q: How does it feel being a part of the Disney Channel legacy that kids will look up to and say that they raised a generation?

Janice LeAnn Brown: “I have gotten a few stares when I walk sometimes. I’ve seen little kids who look at me like I’m some kind of alien or something. Then they’ll be like ‘Mom look!’ And they’ll show their phones so I’m assuming they’re show them the show. I know she’s gotten recognized as well. At least for me when I met one of my favorite Disney Channel stars Zendaya I was shocked. And it’s just crazy to know that I’m not in her position but I’m getting there. It’s just such an honor. I grew up on Disney Channel so it just means the absolute world to me.”

Taylor Cora: “Yeah it’s crazy. We’re so blessed. It’s definitely changed me life for the better. I love life! It’s great!”

Fans of the show biggest question remains. Will we learn who Billie’s parents are in Season 2? Brown replied, “We got to tune in. There’s going to be a lot of stuff answered. I can’t say specifically who or what but fans can look forward to some interesting storylines.”

All episodes of Season 2 of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place will be available to stream on Disney+ on October 8.