For better or for worse, the trend of nostalgia and reviving beloved series doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon in media. However, in the case of Disney’s “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”, it’s for the better. The sequel to the popular Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place“, which ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012, expertly combines fresh faces with old favorites to create a satisfying watch for all generations that tune in.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” follows an adult Justin Russo (David Henrie), who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex (Selena Gomez) brings Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training, while also juggling his everyday responsibilities, and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” Continues the Russo Family’s Story
The original Emmy® Award-winning series notably launched star Selena Gomez, who returns along with David Henrie, to executive produce and act in the show. Including two of the original stars of “Wizards” both in front of and behind the camera was undoubtedly the right move. Gomez and Henrie ground the series‘s first episode with impeccable comedic timing and genuine heart. Furthermore, they lead a cast of promising newcomers which include Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, Max Matenko, and Taylor Cora.
Brown, who plays troubled wizard Billie, shows the same potential for super stardom as Gomez did seventeen years ago. Her performance is supported by sharp, quick-witted writing that maintains the edge the original show and older Disney programming is lauded for, and accused of no longer featuring. At the same time, none of the humor or action in “Wizards” threatens a middle school Disney audience. The creative team expertly walks the tightrope of pleasing millennials and Gen Z audiences tuning in for nostalgia, as well as the current younger viewer looking for an entertaining watch.
“Wizards Beyond” Utilizes Familiar Faces In Front Of and Behind the Camera
Furthermore, the “Wizard Beyond Waverly Place” premiere was directed by Disney/ABC alum Danielle Fishel. Viewers over twenty-five may know Fishel better as Topanga Lawrence on the beloved 90s sitcom “Boy Meets World“. Yet Fishel proves just as skilled a storyteller behind the camera as she is acting in front of it. Her direction of the first episode of “Wizards Beyond” makes for sitcom gold. The episode isn’t just “good for Disney Channel”, but just plain good, no matter which generation one belongs to.
When a network or studio revives a popular property, there’s naturally a mix of excitement and fear. Excitement of revisiting old friends and the comfort of the familiar, but also fear that the new take won’t honor or live up to the original. However, Gomez, Henry and the “Wizards” team seemed to have cracked the code by honoring the source material’s tone while passing the torch to a talented group of newcomers.
The first two episodes of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” premiere tonight, October 29 at 8 PM EDT on Disney Channel. Nine episodes of the series premiere on Disney+ tomorrow, October 30th.
