Everything may not be as it seems, but some things just never change – including Alex Russo, who gives her brother a hard time about his wizard training. This time it happens in a new look behind the scenes of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.”
Footage from the sequel series – which was first ordered earlier this year and whose official title was announced back in May – aired Friday night during the television premiere of “Descendants: The Rise of Red” on Disney Channel, introducing fans to the new Alex.
Don’t worry, we don’t mean that our girl has been replaced. In fact, Selena Gomez is all over this footage, as she reprises her role in the series premiere and is an executive producer on the series. And no, there isn’t another double of her like in The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex. We just mean that there’s a new young wizard in town, and she looks awfully familiar.
Her name is Billie, and Alex gently chides her brother: “Billie is rebellious, stubborn and sarcastic.” (Alex is well aware of the irony and snaps at her brother when she points out the similarities between the two.) Billie uses magic for just about everything, much to the chagrin of Justin (played again by David Henry).
You can see a preview in the video above.
The footage also takes fans back to the Russo cave and shows an emotional Selena Gomez and David Henrie behind the scenes. And if you look closely, you’ll spot a familiar face: David DeLuise, who returns as a guest star, reprising the role of Alex and Justin’s father, Jerry Russo.
The official release date is still being kept secret, but the series is scheduled to premiere this year.
According to the official synopsis, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is about Justin Russo, “who has chosen to live a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie home to seek help, Justin realizes he must brush up on his magical skills to mentor the sorceress-in-training while also managing his everyday duties – and securing the future of the wizarding world.”
Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with executive producers Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez and Henrie. Andy Fickman directed and executive produced the pilot and will direct several episodes. Wizards of Waverly Place was created by Todd Greenwald.
The original series “Wizards of Waverly Place” is now streaming on Disney+.
