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The Russo Family Returns: Where The Cast Of Wizards Of Waverly Place Is Now (2025 Update)

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The Russo family is officially back in the magical spotlight, but a lot has changed since the original series finale. As of late 2024, the highly-anticipated sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, premiered on the Disney Channel, bringing back beloved characters like Justin Russo and Alex Russo, alongside a new generation of wizards. This massive news has fans buzzing, not just about the new show's premise—which sees Justin Russo living a non-magical life until a new wizard, Billie, needs his help—but also about the incredible, often unexpected, career paths the original cast members have taken in the decade since the original show ended.

This article dives into the current lives and 2025 projects of the main cast, from the global superstar who guest-stars in the new series to the actress who traded her wand for a nurse's scrubs during a global pandemic. Here is the definitive, up-to-date look at the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place.

The Original Russo Family & Friends: Full Biography Profiles

The core cast of Wizards of Waverly Place became household names during the show's run from 2007 to 2012. Here is a quick profile of the main actors:

  • Selena Gomez (Alex Russo)
    • Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
    • Born: July 22, 1992
    • Birthplace: Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Actress, singer, producer, and businesswoman. Known for *Only Murders in the Building*, her music career, and her makeup line, Rare Beauty.
  • David Henrie (Justin Russo)
    • Full Name: David Clayton Henrie
    • Born: July 11, 1989
    • Birthplace: Mission Viejo, California, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Actor, director, screenwriter. He is the lead star and an executive producer of the sequel series.
  • Jake T. Austin (Max Russo)
    • Full Name: Jake Toranzo Austin Szymanski
    • Born: December 3, 1994
    • Birthplace: New York, New York, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Actor and voice-over artist. Known for *The Fosters*, *Hotel for Dogs*, and the voice of Diego in *Go, Diego, Go!*.
  • Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle)
    • Full Name: Jennifer Lindsay Stone
    • Born: February 12, 1993
    • Birthplace: Arlington, Texas, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Actress and Registered Nurse. Known for her role as Alex's best friend, Harper Finkle, and her later work as an ER nurse.
  • Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo)
    • Full Name: Maria Pilar Canals-Barrera (née Canals)
    • Born: September 28, 1966
    • Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Actress of Cuban descent. Known for the voice of Hawkgirl in *Justice League* and her role as Theresa Russo.
  • David DeLuise (Jerry Russo)
    • Full Name: David Dominick DeLuise
    • Born: November 11, 1971
    • Birthplace: Burbank, California, U.S.
    • Career Highlights: Actor and director. Son of legendary comedian Dom DeLuise.

The Highly Anticipated Sequel: Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

The biggest news for the Wizards of Waverly Place fandom is the launch of the sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which premiered on the Disney Channel in late October 2024. The show serves as a direct continuation, picking up years after the original series ended.

The premise centers on Justin Russo (David Henrie), who has chosen to give up his wizard powers to live a normal, mortal life with his wife, Giada Russo (Mimi Gianopulos), and their two sons, Roman Russo and Milo. Justin's quiet life is disrupted when a powerful young wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) arrives needing his help and training.

Returning Original Cast Members

Several key members of the original Russo family have returned for the new series, either in starring or guest roles, ensuring the show retains its magical DNA.

  • David Henrie (Justin Russo): Henrie is the central character and a major creative force, serving as an executive producer. His character, Justin, is now a grown-up, non-magical father who must embrace his past to mentor the next generation.
  • Selena Gomez (Alex Russo): Gomez returns in a guest-starring role for the pilot episode and is also an executive producer for the series. Her appearance as the powerful, mischievous Alex Russo was a huge moment for fans, confirming her continued connection to the franchise.
  • Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo) & David DeLuise (Jerry Russo): The Russo parents are also confirmed to return for guest appearances, providing a welcome dose of family comedy and nostalgia.

The New Generation of Wizards

The sequel introduces a fresh cast to carry the magic forward, focusing on the new Russo family and Billie, the young wizard.

  • Janice LeAnn Brown (Billie): The new lead character, Billie, is a young wizard who Justin takes under his wing.
  • Alkaio Thiele (Roman Russo): Plays Justin’s son, who may or may not inherit the magical gene.
  • Mimi Gianopulos (Giada Russo): Plays Justin’s mortal wife, Giada, who is adjusting to the sudden return of magic in her home.

Where Are They Now? The Cast’s Diverse 2025 Ventures

Beyond the sequel, the original cast members have built impressive and varied careers, with their latest projects proving they are more than just their Disney Channel past.

Selena Gomez: The Mogul and Emmy Nominee

Selena Gomez’s career has exploded into a multi-hyphenate empire.

  • Acting Success: She continues to star in the critically acclaimed Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building, a role that has earned her multiple Emmy nominations.
  • Business Ventures: Her cosmetics line, Rare Beauty, has become a massive commercial success, focusing on mental health advocacy and inclusivity.
  • Music: Gomez remains an active recording artist, consistently releasing new singles and albums.
  • Personal Life: Her relationship with music producer Benny Blanco has been a frequent topic in entertainment news throughout 2024 and 2025.

David Henrie: Director, Producer, and Faith-Based Filmmaker

David Henrie has transitioned from acting to working behind the camera as a director and producer.

  • The Sequel: His primary focus in 2024 and 2025 is the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place sequel, where he holds a major creative and starring role.
  • Faith-Based Projects: Henrie has also embraced faith-based filmmaking. He is involved in the EWTN travel series, *Seeking Beauty*, which is expected to air in December 2025, reflecting his personal commitment to his Catholic faith.

Jennifer Stone: From Wizard to Essential Worker

Jennifer Stone’s post-Disney career is perhaps the most unique and inspiring, showcasing a profound career shift.

  • Registered Nurse: After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Stone pursued a degree in nursing. She became a Registered Nurse (RN) and was an essential worker, working on the front lines in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Dual Career: Stone has not completely retired from acting, maintaining a dual career. She continues to take on acting roles while prioritizing her work in the healthcare field, a unique balance for a former Disney star.

Jake T. Austin: Continuing a Diverse Filmography

Jake T. Austin, who played the youngest Russo, Max, has maintained a steady acting career with a focus on diverse film and TV projects.

  • Recent Roles: While he was not immediately announced for a starring role in the new sequel, Austin has a strong filmography that includes the series *The Fosters* and voice work in animated films like *Rio* and *The Emoji Movie*.
  • Future Projects: Austin has mentioned being attached to future TV series and film projects, indicating his continued focus on his acting career. Fans remain hopeful for a potential guest appearance from the youngest Russo sibling in the sequel.

The journey of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast is a fascinating blend of global superstardom, creative control behind the camera, and inspiring career changes. Their return to the magical world with *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* is a nostalgic treat, but their individual success stories prove that the real magic happened in their lives outside of the Disney Channel.

cast of waverly place
cast of waverly place

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