Selena Gomez says the spin-off “Wizards of Waverly Place” is like “being back home”

What is this? A crazy spin-off of the show that Selena Gomez a worldwide sensation, Wizards Beyond Waverly Placeis well underway and nostalgia is bubbling up among the excited audience and the actors alike. In fact, it is such a monumental moment for Gomez and her film brother David Henrie that the couple spent years mulling over a potential storyline until they finally came up with a plot good enough to bring the show back. “Selena, my wife and I spent so much time over the years drinking wine and talking about where the characters would be that at one point we looked at each other and said, ‘I think we have a show,'” Henrie told Variety. “I think we should talk to Disney about it.” And we did. It took years of development to get it exactly where it needed to be.”

For the couple, however, it was all worth it, with Gomez describing her return to set as “like being back home,” adding that she was excited to bring this “childhood gift” to a whole new audience of young people.

The magical Disney special follows the hit Disney Channel show, Wizards of Waverly Placewhich aired from 2007 to 2012 and made Gomez an international star. The original series revolved around the Russo family – three young wizards in the making – who lead a double life by eating sandwiches in sandwich shops and learning about the world of wizardry from their father Jerry (David DeLuise) while simultaneously grappling with teenage romance, anger, and fun.

What is Wizards Beyond Waverly Place about?

Selena Gomex as Alex Russo and David Henrie as Justin Russo sit next to each other in “Wizards of Waverly Place” — Image via Disney Channel

After the series ended over a decade ago, the sequel will begin with the Russo children grappling with the problems of adulthood. A sneak peek of the series suggests that Justin (Henrie) has apparently decided to live a quiet, normal life with his new family. This is particularly interesting because Justin earned the right to become a “full-fledged wizard” alongside his sister Alex during an epic conclusion to the show – a groundbreaking achievement, as normally only one member of a wizarding family is granted the right to become a “full-fledged wizard.”

But in true Waverly Place style, all is not as it seems when Alex returns to the scene with her usual charismatic, chaotic energy, seeking her brother’s help as the fate of the wizarding world hangs in the balance.

In what is sure to be a nostalgic feast, the show will feature Gomez, Henrie and DeLuise in their original roles, as well as Mrs. Russo Maria Canals-Barrera and an expected appearance by the youngest Russo sibling, Max (Jake T. Austin) for a wonderful family celebration.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is set to debut on Disney Channel and Disney+ later this year, but there’s no official air date yet. Stay tuned to Collider for updates. In the meantime, you can indulge in nostalgia with the original series on Disney+.