Danielle Fishel Reflects on Directing Pivotal ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ Episode

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This tale reveals plot twists from the eleventh episode of the first season of “Wizards of Waverly Place,” titled “Potions Eleven.

Fans of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” have finally learned the truth behind the mysterious “Unicorn Incident” that occurred at WizTech.

In the first episode of the follow-up show to Wizards of Waverly Place, it’s unveiled that David Henrie’s character, Justin Russo, was dismissed from his position as headmaster at the wizarding school following an unexplained incident. However, this mystery has now been solved.

In the most recent installment of the Disney+ series, I found myself delving into Justin’s thoughts, thanks to a magical potion wielded by Billie. What I uncovered was quite shocking – it turned out that Justin’s trusted subordinate, who later succeeded as headmaster after the eldest Russo was dismissed, had been sabotaging him all along! The climax of this intrigue unfolded on graduation day when Justin had a grand plan to delight students with unicorns and fireworks. However, the fireworks went off prematurely, causing the unicorns to bolt in fright. In an attempt to halt the chaos, Justin tried to use his wand, but it failed him. It was then that Billie discovered his colleague had hexed his wand!

As I sat down to play my latest gaming session, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of profound change in the air. According to one of the game developers, Danielle Fishel, who led this particular level, it was a turning point for my character, Justin. Up until now, I had been questioning my abilities as a wielder of magic, even going so far as to retire my wand and step away from the magical world. But now, with the revelation that I hadn’t actually sabotaged myself, the magical realm beckoned once more, brimming with new possibilities.

During the entire episode of “Wizards of Waverly Place,” viewers experienced a wave of nostalgia as fragments from the original series appeared within Justin’s thoughts. The co-executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas decided which sequences to include in these flashbacks. As Fishel explains to The Hollywood Reporter, “My primary aim was: if you had no prior knowledge about the story, would you still find this episode engaging? And I think there’s no question that you will be thoroughly entertained by this episode.” Additionally, she notes that the twist in the story is significant regardless of whether you are familiar with the previous narrative or not.

Fishel shares insights about collaborating with Henrie as executive producers, revealing how the movie “Inside Out” influenced the design of Justin’s mental switchboard, discussing Sabrina Carpenter’s remarkable career progression a decade after their work together on “Girl Meets World”, and more.

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This was a pivotal Wizards episode for Justin (David Henrie). How did you approach directing it?

This episode is crucial for Justin’s character development, and I appreciate how skillfully the show manages to pay tribute to its predecessor while giving ample opportunities for the current cast to shine. It’s not just a continuation of the old show; it’s a fresh, standalone series. I believe this episode masterfully achieves that balance, offering just enough flashbacks without alienating new viewers who haven’t watched the original episodes. My primary intention was to ensure that even if you were unaware of the backstory, you would still find the episode enjoyable. I am confident that it will appeal to everyone, regardless of whether they are familiar with the original plot or not, and the surprise in it is quite significant either way.

In your previous statement, you brought up the topic of flashbacks. I’m curious, what criteria or process did you use in selecting which scenes featuring a younger Justin Bieber to include?

As a fan, I was primarily involved in the process where Disney, along with showrunners Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, carefully selected and sent me scenes from previous episodes for our specific timing and understanding of the narrative flow. It’s a delicate balancing act to ensure that each scene is given just the right amount of time, considering that I couldn’t see the footage while filming, meaning I had to rely on my memory and imagination: “This is the scene where this just happened … you should be thinking this.” The kids were excited to watch the old episodes featuring a younger David Henrie, and they felt proud to contribute to the continuation of the story.

Had you directed in front of a live studio audience before?

In the past, shows like “Girl Meets World” and “Raven’s Home” were performed with a live studio audience, similar to how I used to act during my seven-year stint on “Boy Meets World”. Performing in front of a live audience is something I really enjoy; it gives the actors an incredible boost of energy. It truly makes the show feel more vibrant and alive.

From the perspective of a spectator at the performance, it’s intriguing to peer into Justin’s thought world. Could you share some insights about the experience of orchestrating those particular scenes?

It was adorable to discover which aspects of Justin’s character they would emphasize. Among them, the vacuum wall stands out as one of my personal favorites.

Did you intentionally create a feeling reminiscent of Pixar’s Inside Out in the mental control center?

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The mental control room seemed to have an atmosphere similar to Inside Out. Was this design choice deliberate?

I had a glimpse of the design before actually stepping onto the set. The layout they sent me seemed incredibly futuristic and cool, leaving me puzzled about how it would eventually appear. When I finally arrived on set and saw it, I was captivated by its beauty. Additionally, it presented some challenges because it had to be quite spacious, with a lot of action happening within it. This meant we needed room for movement, which included a sliding wall, making filming somewhat tricky but the set itself was exciting.

It seems you’ve visualized a specific portrayal of Justin’s life, including the children, in your imagination.

Absolutely. During our rehearsals, whenever the children’s scenes came up (as they often did while I was thinking), we found it more practical to keep them nearby, specifically in the same set as David Henrie. This way, we avoided having to frequently switch between sets during our run-throughs, which is when we perform the show for writers and producers as a dress rehearsal. By keeping the children close, we could pretend that they were actually in the scene’s intended location, enhancing both the timing and the humor of the performance.

Could you tell me about the private discussions regarding the episode and the goals you aimed to achieve through it?

The aim we had for this series is to strike a balance: catering to the nostalgia of original fans by continuing their beloved stories and moments, while still providing fresh entertainment for new viewers such that they don’t feel like they’re missing out on anything from the first installment. I believe the show does an excellent job in achieving this equilibrium.

Since I was brought up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, I find it hard to discuss it with those who haven’t seen it. However, it seems like the series is designed for anyone just joining in. Could you tell me about your experience working with everyone on set?

Working with Jed and Scott again on Raven’s Home was fantastic, as I had previously collaborated with them. Since we were already acquainted, it made the process smoother. They are incredibly collaborative and have a great sense of humor when it comes to writing. If something doesn’t seem quite right during production, they are quick to offer suggestions for improvement, asking questions like “How can we help you? How can we fix this? How can we make this work?” I much prefer working with people who are open to change and teamwork rather than those who insist on sticking to their initial plans. On this particular show, the atmosphere is one of unity and mutual support – everyone is a team player, always looking for a solution. This collective approach creates a very positive and supportive environment.

Working with David Henrie was simply amazing, as I hadn’t had the opportunity to collaborate with him before. Despite knowing his immense talent, I hadn’t worked with him previously. For this episode, we had allowed extra time for the physical comedy scenes because there were quite a few of them. On our very first day of rehearsal, David Henrie effortlessly delivered what you saw on camera. I glanced at my watch and thought, “Wow, we have an additional 45 minutes because David doesn’t need any more rehearsal; he’s got it nailed down.” So, that was fantastic; he’s such a great role model. The kids truly admire him. He strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and fun. He’s sharp, creative, and deeply invested. His producer title on the show isn’t just for show; his dedication to the show’s legacy is evident.

Apart from being an executive producer, Selena Gomez is involved in your project too. Have you ever discussed directing or any related topics with her?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to have a conversation with her. She is undeniably remarkable and, once more, another individual deeply passionate about this program. She was present at the premiere and eloquently expressed what the show means to her, as well as the significance of Disney Channel in her life. It’s clear that she has been actively engaged throughout its development, making it a privilege to associate my name with their enduring legacy in any capacity.

I know you’re directing other episodes throughout the season. What can you tease about them?

In another instance, they gather for a massive family game night filled with delightful magical elements, fantastic costumes, and hilarious Russo family antics. These are among my most cherished memories.

How did it feel for you, having previously directed episodes of both Raven’s Home and Girl Meets World at Disney, to return to Disney in the role of a director again?

Directing my initial episodes on “Girl Meets World” was an incredible experience. What stands out to me about working with them is their hands-on approach in ensuring you’re aware they’re there to assist you whenever needed. Every individual I’ve encountered at Disney Channel has consistently conveyed, “Our door is always open for you. If there’s ever anything on your mind, feel free to discuss it with us.” Indeed, I’ve sought their guidance on several occasions, and they’ve always been prompt, helpful, and considerate. The atmosphere here truly feels like a family, where everyone is aware they can rely on each other for support. Ideally, this sense of camaraderie should be present in every workplace – we’re all united as teammates, here to help one another succeed. Although not everyone may be so fortunate, Disney Channel has proven adept at making everyone feel valued and supported.

Since you two were both directors for ‘Raven’s Home’, and now you’ll both be directing on ‘Wizards’, did you discuss your approaches for guiding the series together?

Each director has a unique approach and their own distinctive elements they contribute. During my time working on Raven’s Home, I grew quite fond of Raven, who not only excels as an actor but also as an executive producer and director. She is incredibly perceptive, having been in the industry since she was very young. Therefore, it’s safe to say that she is a seasoned professional, and her style and personality truly shine through. She is someone I greatly admire.

It seems like you’ve been focusing more on directing than acting lately. Is it possible that you are considering shifting your focus towards more behind-the-scenes roles as your career progresses?

Absolutely. After the show “Girl Meets World” was created, I had already taken a break from acting and was focusing on getting my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, aiming to become a therapist. However, “Girl Meets World” managed to lure me back into the acting world. It seemed like an unmissable opportunity. Later, when I started directing, I found that it felt incredibly right for me, especially working with young people, as if I was giving something back to my younger self.

After I understood the role I was meant to play, I essentially transitioned into full-time directing since then, and I’ve directed close to 50 episodes of television from 2018 onwards. I haven’t been involved in acting at all during this time. However, there’s a potential project I’m working on now that could see me acting again if it gets produced. Nonetheless, my heart lies in directing. I find immense fulfillment in assisting young and experienced actors to deliver their finest performances, rather than being concerned with my own performance.

In Girl Meets World, Sabrina Carpenter portrayed your daughter’s closest friend. Since then, her career has skyrocketed. It must be quite fascinating for you to witness her success in show business!

Over a decade since we first crossed paths, it’s heartwarming to see Sabrina finally getting the recognition she deserves. From day one, there was no question in my mind that she’d make it big. Her relentless work ethic, infectious energy, knack for comedy, tender heart, and exceptional communication skills were evident even back then. Now, as more people get to know her, they’re experiencing a glimpse of the Sabrina I’ve been fortunate enough to call my friend. She truly deserves all the good fortune that comes her way. She’s not just one of my favorite people on this planet, but also one of my closest confidantes. I couldn’t be happier for her success!

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New episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiere Fridays on Disney Channel.

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2025-01-21 04:25