As someone who has spent countless hours watching Disney Channel shows and following the journey of characters, I must say it’s heartening to see Justin, or rather Jake T. Austin’s character, reclaim his passion for wizardry in “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.” It’s a testament to resilience and determination that Elinoff and Thomas have managed to create a storyline that resonates with both kids and adults alike.
[This story includes spoilers from the first episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.]
The initial installment of the follow-up series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which kickstarted the careers of Selena Gomez, David Henrie, and Jake T. Austin on Disney Channel, presents a deceptive picture of things.
In the initial episode now available on Disney+, Gomez’s character Alex stuns Henrie’s character Justin with Billie (played by Janice LeAnn Brown), a promising young wizard who requires guidance from an expert – specifically, her older brother and ex-headmaster of WizTech.
After thirty minutes of persuasion from Alex, Justin finally consented to take Billie in, despite her causing chaos at his home. However, he made one condition clear: He didn’t want Billie learning anything within his house. In response, Alex created a portal through the mirror, which led to a familiar location – the magical lair that fans of Wizards of Waverly Place often watched the Russos practice their spells in during the original series.
In the closing scene of the episode, a surprising revelation unfolds: The destiny of the world might rest with Billie, and consequently, Justin as well since their fates are intertwined.
As a passionate gamer diving into the world of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” I can share that Jed Elinoff, one of us creative minds behind the show, revealed an intriguing backstory. He mentioned that his partner Scott Thomas and he came up with the spinoff concept after engaging in discussions with Gomez and Henrie, both of whom are also key figures as executive producers.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Elinoff mentions a part in the pilot where she says, “At one point, she expresses, ‘I had you. I required you, and you were in my life.'” This scene suggests that Selena identified with the idea of, “This child is in distress, and only a Russo can provide the necessary aid.” Both Selena and David found this concept appealing – the notion of a child who needs the unique assistance of a Russo.
Thomas agrees wholeheartedly, stating, “This child is lacking a support system. She’s alone in the world, with no one who has ever truly cared for her or looked after her. We know the Russos are different; they care and nurture. Justin Russo, we know, is compassionate, and by Alex bringing her into this family, he might rekindle Justin’s enthusiasm for teaching and magic. Essentially, it provides Justin an opportunity to assume the role his father once held in the old series.
In the following passage, the writers share their experiences in penning scripts for Gomez and Henrie, over a decade since they last portrayed these characters; they discuss the challenge of creating a narrative that appealed to both fresh and long-time fans, incorporating emotional nods to Wizards of Waverly Place; and highlighting how the new characters took center stage in driving the plot.
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Talk to me about the show in general. Why did you want to be a part of it?
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm when they proposed reviving the iconic series, Wizards. With its rich history at Disney and an ever-devoted fanbase, it was an enticing prospect. Having just wrapped up six seasons of Raven’s Home, we had gained some experience in reintroducing cherished characters to a fresh audience. We saw the revival as not only an opportunity to honor the original show and its characters but also to create something fresh for a new generation.
As a gamer who’s always been captivated by the magic of shared experiences, meeting David and Selena for the first time felt like stepping into an epic quest with old friends. Their undeniable bond, reminiscent of their characters on the show, radiates a warm, familial vibe that extends beyond the screen. It’s clear they care deeply for each other, and that passion for the project was infectious.
What was it like writing for them so long after they were last these characters?
ELINOFF They plunged right into it without hesitation. Watching them on the pilot was hilarious. In fact, everyone in the audience was saying that it seemed like they were in their third season. It’s amazing! Everyone seems so comfortable with each other, and seeing them perform their old characters again, being together, was such a delightful and heartwarming experience.
THOMAS When we began crafting the pilot script, it was advantageous to have two well-loved characters at our disposal, each with unique voices and personalities. Our aim was to preserve the essence of the original series while setting them in their 30s, exploring where their lives had taken them. Crafting these familiar characters and introducing new ones was an enjoyable process. A significant moment of relief came when they read the script for the first time, and we thought, “We nailed it! We’ve captured the essence of these characters well.
The primary aspect we’d like to emphasize is that although this series pays homage to its predecessor, it primarily focuses on the fresh characters. Casting LeAnn Brown as Janice, Thiele as Alkaio, Matenko as Max, and introducing Mimi Gianopulos and Taylor Cora adds a unique twist that distinguishes it as a standalone production. This is crucial because we felt the same way with “Raven’s Home”. We strive to create a new show for a new generation of fans while ensuring that loyal followers of the original feel their beloved series is being treated with respect and receiving additional content. However, our ultimate goal is also to attract new viewers and witness these young wizards grapple with the question: what does it mean to be a wizard in 2024? This has been both an exciting and challenging endeavor for us as we’ve worked on the project.
Could I delve into it a bit more? To whom are your writings geared: the new readers or the old ones, or perhaps both? What strategy do you employ to narrate a tale that appeals to both long-time fans and potential newcomers?
THOMAS As we develop the narratives for our upcoming series, we keep the original show in our thoughts. Our aim is to create something that complements the previous series effectively. This isn’t a reboot; instead, it’s an extension of Justin Russo and Alex Russo’s tales. Therefore, we always consider this perspective. However, as Jed mentioned, we also have fresh characters and actors joining us. We might not be familiar to some viewers with the old show. Consequently, our challenge is to utilize what was successful in the past as a basis for new, engaging stories.
As a devoted fan myself, I can tell you that our team includes folks who were raised on this very show. Their ardor for it is palpable, and they discuss what resonated with them most – the characters, their development, and the themes. For us, it’s crucial to delve deeper into who Justin Russo is as a character, his role as a father, a wizard instructor, and even how Alex has grown up. We aim to create a show that families can enjoy together, something where you could gather around with your kids and find it entertaining, engaging, and heartwarming. The tone will mirror the original show, but we hope it’s something everyone can appreciate. It’ll be filled with laughter, moments of poignancy, and a good dose of heart. That, I believe, is the essence of a sitcom – to bring joy, fun, and emotion. Plus, the added thrill of shooting in front of a live audience, where you get to witness these talented young actors, including David, in action. The pilot’s live audience was electrifying; it was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
Could you elaborate on why you chose to perform with a live audience? Was this your idea alone, or a collective decision among everyone involved?
ELINOFF We love a live audience. It’s the best.
THOMAS We were highly motivated because there’s an unmatched intensity when filming a show with a live audience present. Essentially, shooting a sitcom is like staging a play. You work with multiple cameras and run through each scene from start to finish. However, when you add an audience, it becomes clear that it’s performance time – this is the moment everyone feels the excitement. It’s incredibly fulfilling because it offers immediate feedback that you don’t get on other productions. This instant response allows us to quickly determine if a joke is successful or not, or if an emotional scene resonates with the audience.
ELINOFF (PARAPHRASING) There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing kids, particularly when they manage to make people laugh or engage an audience. The moment Janice first received a big laugh in the pilot was simply endearing. It’s hard not to be charmed by it.
PARAPHRASE David excels effortlessly in this particular craft. Observing him, one can’t help but appreciate his exceptional skill. He’s downright hilarious, managing to extract laughter from seemingly unlikely situations. He’s tender and emotional, much like the image of a loving father both off-screen and on-screen. With three beautiful children of his own and another set on TV, he embodies the ideal blend of real-life and screen dad. Simply put, he’s fantastic, surpassing all expectations for Justin. As for Selena, she perfectly encapsulates what one would imagine Alex to be – it’s a perfect match.
THOMAS They’re both fantastic leaders on set, and they’ve experienced it themselves. They understand what the children are going through. They know how their lives will transform when this is aired, and they offer such tremendous support and care towards these children. It’s really heartening to observe this.
They’re also executive producers on the show. Did they have any say in the storyline?
ELINOFF Selena’s schedule is a bit packed, but David is a regular guest for us every week. David is truly exceptional; he has an excellent grasp of storytelling and makes an ideal creative collaborator. It’s not always easy to find such a great partner in these endeavors, but David is simply delightful to work with. He’s collaborative, helpful, and incredibly kind. The cherry on top? He’s downright hilarious!
THOMAS They both offer their opinions on articles. We’ll present an article section, convert it into our network, and David will read it. He might then text us saying something like, “I think this is great, but I feel there’s a part that could be more impactful,” or “this could resonate emotionally if we tweaked it slightly.” His suggestions are always well thought out.
In the premiere installment, numerous subtle references to the initial version are interspersed. Immediately, the opening theme tune is played, followed by a glimpse of the hideout at the conclusion. What factors influenced your choices regarding additions and modifications?
THOMAS We anticipated a significant scene when Selena arrives, and we aimed to make it impactful. However, we were aware that we were joining Justin Russo’s story at a later stage and introducing new characters. The children will be the main focus of the show, so we decided to start with the new characters first. This way, longtime fans can recognize where Justin Russo is in his life now, thinking, “Wow, this is where he’s at. He’s still the same old Justin Russo.
Initially, we had planned for Selena’s surprise appearance at the door to be a significant scene, and when it unfolded in front of our viewers, it was as if they stood and applauded for two minutes straight – it was thrilling! However, we needed to shorten that moment for the episode. We also wanted to reveal the lair, which we knew would excite fans. We didn’t want to delve too deeply into backstory or bore the audience with lengthy dialogues, but instead, we aimed to subtly provide insights about Alex’s journey, her recent activities, and Justin’s life transformation.
ELINOFF A big question with any TV show, whether it’s a continuation like this, or it’s a new show is the why now? Why are we telling this story now? And then when we developed it, we sort of went, well, we know what the trajectory fans saw Justin on when the series ended. He became the headmaster of WizTech. Here was the kind of culmination of this school nerd’s dream to go. He gets to go on and be the principal of his wizard school. So we kind of went, “Well, OK, let’s look in his life and go, ‘Well, why is he still in the mortal world? What’s happened to him?’” And we liked the idea that there would be some reason that Justin wasn’t doing that anymore. So the why now became: here was this new wizard, this new Billie who shows up and is in need of somebody.
As I delved into conversations with David and Selena, their discussions about their characters’ fictional lives sparked an intriguing thought: the joy Selena found in portraying her character’s deep affection for David as a brotherly figure. A poignant moment from the pilot stood out where she said, “I had you. I needed you, and I had you in my life.” This resonated with Selena, David, and me too. The idea that this girl needs a Russo to help her was something Selena identified with deeply. It’s unique about being a Russo; it gives someone the strength to surmount obstacles they couldn’t tackle alone.
THOMAS We wanted the new series to focus on family and standing by each other, just like the old one did. So we asked ourselves, “How can we give this a fresh twist?” Our idea was to introduce a character who is alone in the world, someone who has never had anyone truly care for her. Given that we know the Russos are caring people, particularly Justin Russo, it made sense for Alex to bring her into their home and family. This not only rekindles Justin’s enthusiasm for teaching but also allows him to emulate his father’s role in the old show. Moreover, Billie learns through this experience that the Russos will always support you. When you’re with them, you’ll always have someone ready to help you.
PARAPHRASING The dynamic between David and Selena is deeply ingrained in the series, making it feel authentic and essential to the show’s philosophy. Their unwavering support for each other might seem cliché or overused, but it works brilliantly. Whenever characters like Billie, Roman, or Milo face challenges, we can’t help but root for them. This is what made the original show popular – its mix of humor, excitement, and the strong bond between its characters. In our adaptation, we aim to maintain this unique family dynamic that makes them so engaging to watch. Janice is witty, talented, and full of mischief, but she’s joined by an equally entertaining trio in Max, Taylor, and Alkaio. They each bring their own brand of humor and are captivating performers. I don’t want to overlook them because they add so much to the show and make it even more enjoyable.
Curious to know what discussions took place as I pondered about Max’s plans when the pilot episode hinted at his eventual expansion of the Waverly Substation into a billion-dollar business?
I’M AWED It’s thrilling to imagine Max carving out a spectacular career path, just as it’s captivating to envision Alex embarking on magical journeys in the Enchanted Realm.
ELINOFF The student who was likely to achieve great things had some difficulties, which I believe is genuine. And it seems we’re about to witness Justin regaining the person he always aspired to be, as this transformation will unfold throughout the series. I think this journey is a compelling story that needs to be shared.
THOMAS Our intention was to introduce David in a blissful setting. He’s blessed with an outstanding family and enjoys his work, yet there’s a part of his life – his wizardry – that he’s kept hidden and yearns for more than he realizes. The arrival of Alex and the introduction of Billie stirs up this forgotten aspect of David’s life, making him remember the joy he finds in being a wizard and teaching others. This season, a significant part of David’s character development has been about reigniting his passion for magic.
It’s Alright if You Fall, Pick Yourself Up, and Keep Moving Forward. This Can Be Particularly Challenging for Someone Like Justin, Who Has a Set Path in Mind and Believes Things Will Always Go as Planned. If You’re a Perfectionist, It’s Tough When Your Dreams Don’t Turn Out as Desired. However, There’s Nothing More Valuable Than Getting Back Up, Facing the World Once More, and Making Your Own Success Happen. This is Essential Lesson to Learn.
Tessa These days, many children in middle school feel overwhelmed by the expectation to decide their future careers. However, life doesn’t usually function this way. While some individuals may have a clear idea of their lifelong aspirations, others don’t. I believe it’s valuable for audiences, both young and old, to encounter characters who are in their 30s, are parents, spouses, and still make adjustments to their paths. They might realize, “Hold on, that thing I was deeply interested in during my teenage years, I still feel the same passion for it. Why did I let it go? I’m going to reclaim it, I’m going to pursue it.” This isn’t just entertaining for adults but also informative for children, demonstrating that as an adult, you can continue to shape your life and discover what truly makes you happy.
Incidentally, what makes these series unique is that they appeal to both children and adults alike, with David being a captivating character. Maintaining the relevance of his story is crucial, but it’s also important to avoid making it overly serious or didactic. Instead, it should be playful, filled with usual monsters and an assortment of absurd elements.
Thomas: Children mysteriously become partly transparent, causing all sorts of hilarious chaos. It’s quite an entertaining spectacle.
Did Jake T. Austin recently mention his return as Max, along with David DeLuise reprising his role as Jerry? Could we possibly see Maria Canals-Barrera join them for a family reunion scene in the future?
THOMAS Our ultimate aim is for this season and beyond to provide opportunities for the return of characters from the original series, offering memorable experiences for fans. However, it’s a bit tricky during the first season since our focus is primarily on introducing and developing the new characters as the main protagonists. Therefore, we need to be strategic in our approach. We ask ourselves questions like: Who should we bring back? When is the best time? What episode suits their return? Is it essential for the storyline or just for fan service? And do we have enough episodes this season to justify their return without compromising the narrative we want to present?
It’s fantastic when you execute something, but if it doesn’t feel authentic, no one will value it. As Scott pointed out, it’s a delicate balance between catering to the old fans and creating a fresh show.
THOMAS But the hope is to have everyone pop in at some point.
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Earlier this week, the new series “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” started with a two-part premiere on the Disney Channel. The first nine episodes are now available for streaming on Disney+, but the release date for the remaining episodes of the 21-episode season has not been set yet.
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2024-10-31 21:57