Twelve years after “Wizards of Waverly Place” ended, the iconic Disney Channel show is launching a sequel. “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” follows Justin Russo (David Henrie reprising his role), a vice president living on Staten Island with his investigative journalist wife, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos) and their sons, Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). . Although Justin has retained his magical abilities, he has left his wizarding days behind him. Neither Giada nor his boys know anything about his powers. This changes on the morning of Justin’s 34th birthday when rebellious and feisty 12-year-old wizard Billie (a phenomenal Janice LeAnn Brown) arrives at the Russo house. Hilarious, fun and charming, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” is a worthy sequel to the legendary original that is sure to delight newcomers and longtime fans alike.
The series begins on a seemingly ordinary day in the Russo house. Milo and Roman bicker over their shared room, and Justin is eager to celebrate his special day. However, when his sister Alex (Selena Gomez, reprising her role) makes a surprise visit, desperate for Justin’s help, the Russos’ lives are turned upside down. Although Justin shuns magic, it is the only way of life Billie has ever known. Billie is witty, quick-thinking and independent and does not like rules and regulations. Yet the audience soon discovers that there is much more at stake than just adequate guidance for Billie.
This new show launches 17 years after the premiere of ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and special effects technology for television has advanced by leaps and bounds. As a result, the magic depicted has a bright and fantastic feeling that could not be captured before. Furthermore, while “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” still leans toward slapstick and over-the-top acting, these “kiddie” elements don’t limit the enjoyment of the series. In the pilot, Milo is accidentally frozen. As Billie and Roman try to stash his body in the garage until they can figure out how to undo the spell, it’s clear that the teens are bickering with a large plush doll, adding to the humor of the moment.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” had a solid foundation to build on, but it soars thanks to its cast. Henrie and Gomez (who also serve as executive producers) step seamlessly back into their beloved roles, and Gianopulos adds the perfect quirk to the show. But the child actors are phenomenal. Brown, Thiele and Matenko are quick-witted. They have mastered comedic timing and the ability to take the edge of jokes to the next level. Determined and confident, Brown is a star, and the boys are hot on her heels. In episode 2, “Mortal Vibes Only,” a potion accident causes the lower half of Roman’s body and Milo’s upper half to disappear. The brothers decide to live together to keep their parents in the dark. Unfortunately (and hilariously), Milo’s inability to tell left from right immediately thwarts their plans.
There are many similarities between this new series and the original. Once Billie is firmly established in the Russo family, the kids recreate Justin’s siblings, Alex and Max (Jake T. Austin) from “Wizards of Waverly Place.” But since Billie is the only one with supernatural abilities and has no knowledge of the mortal world, the audience sees the trio learn, grow, and adapt together. In episode 3, “Saved By the Spell,” Billie struggles to make friends during her first day of high school. Justin has requested that she never use magic outside the family lair, but out of desperation she waves her wand to trick people into liking her. Although she eventually bonds with Roman’s best friend, Winter (Taylor Cora), her deception is not without consequences. In Episode 4, “Something Wizard This Way Comes,” Billie tries to educate Milo and Roman on some of the world’s most exciting Halloween traditions, including Cartilage and the menacing Pumpkin Belly. What follows is a truly unique Halloween episode.
Reboots and sequels rarely live up to the hype. “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” has its own flair; yet the comedy pays tribute to the previous show and offers new and unique storylines for a new generation. While the themes of family, responsibility and the power of magic remain central, the new cast led by Brown also reinforces the importance of staying true to yourself. Lively, fun and full of truly endearing magical moments, the new Disney series has the potential to be as prominent as its predecessor.
The first two episodes of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” premieres on Disney Channel on October 29 and airs on Disney+ the following day. New episodes appear weekly on Tuesdays.