Disney Channel originalsare still a major topic simply because they define a very specific era. Even if the 2000s kids who enjoyed these shows are all grown up, there is still a need for a sense of nostalgia. Perhaps that is why some of these shows are making a comeback with sequel series to some of their most popular legacy titles. The trend kicked off in 2014 withGirl Meets World, a sequel series toBoy Meets World.Raven’s Home, which is a continuation ofThat’s So Raven,was a big hit for Disney when it aired. Then cameThe Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, which premiered on Disney+.
While it is true that most of the Disney Channel Original shows' cast members have pursued their individual careers and are thriving in them, it might be quite exciting to see them back on their shows. Obviously, not every single show can benefit from a reboot or sequel as some might be better off in their original eras. However,Wizards of Waverly Placemight be an exception since many fans of this show have been looking forward to and hoping for some type of revival.
Well, there is some good news for the fans because Disney Branded Television has just ordered apilot episode of a sequel of the show to be released. Both Selena Gomez and David Henrie will be reprising their roles as Alex and Justin Russo in the pilot episode. But only David is going to be a series regular as the story revolves around his married life. Obviously, the fans are excited about the new series. So, let us delve into why a sequel to the show is a good idea.
Update June 29, 2025: This article has been updated following the announcement of the newWizards of Waverly Placeseries being ordered for Disney.
Why You Should Be Excited About the Reboot
The revival of theWizards of Waverly Placecomes with a unique and exciting plot. It revolves around an adult, Justin (David Henrie). It picks up after an event at WizTech and focuses on Justin, who has left wizardry behind in favor of a normal life with his wife (played by Mimi Gianopulos) and their two sons (one of whom will be played by Alkaio Thiele). But things change when a powerful young wizard (played by Janice LeAnn Brown) shows up on his doorstep, asking to be trained by Justin.
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The main protagonist of the series is Brown’s character, and one of the main dynamics will be between her and Justin. It will be interesting to see how the show incorporates this mentor-mentee trope into the family. Selena Gomez will appear in the pilot episode, while Henrie will be a regular. However, both of them are going to be executive producers of the series, which means it will retain its original flavor. The dynamic between older Alex and Justin will be interesting, as will be how their personalities have changed over the years. Another intriguing part of the series will be how it pairs magic with modern technology that is an integral part of our lives. But the show, no doubt, will be entertaining and bring back a lot of nostalgia for people who grew up in the 00s.
Unique Humor
Disney Channel Originals had a hit-or-miss quality to their comedy. It was obviously broad humor aimed at kids, so an older audience might not have found it that funny, but it was hilarious to the target demographic. The humor inWizards of Waverly Placewas pretty funny. Especially due to Selena Gomez’s character, Alex Russo. Not only wasAlex the prankster of the family and also the character who is at the center of the mischief, she is also very relatable. From being super lazy to misusing magic to get away with everyday tasks, Alex is everyone’s favorite. Her self-confidence is amusing and lights up the whole show and helps solidify Gomez as a future star.
In addition to Alex, the Russo family’s parents are equally entertaining. So are the two brothers who try to put up with Alex’s misbehavior. The constant parodies of other wizarding worlds, like that ofHarry Potter, add another layer of sarcasm and humor. When all this was combined, the show was able to create a unique, comical nature, which became one of its most attractive qualities.
Obviously, much has transpired since the original series aired, so not only are their new franchises for them to take a swing at parodying, including Doctor Strange, but theMCU’s use of magiccould be a fun one. The style of humor will likely be different also. This will be a series aimed at a new generation of kids, so the humor must reflect a new generation. There are likely more jokes about social media and TikTok jokes, which opens the door for more magical hijinks.
Not a Cliché That Focuses on Romance
More often than not, when a show is based on main characters who are teenagers, there seems to be an inclusion of a romantic element. Unfortunately, this element tends to take over the show’s central focus, in turn, creating repetitive clichés and tropes. This was seen inHannah Montana. WhileHannah Montanawas one of Disney’s biggest hitsin the 2000s, the latter part of the show focused heavily on Miley’s love life. This might’ve overshadowed the central focus of the show on Miley’s career and attempts at trying to navigate her life’s duality.
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However, theWizards of Waverly Placehave avoided this successfully. While the show does include romantic relations of the siblings, this is done in a manner that makes it relatable to the young audience. In fact, during one scene, we see Alex’s mother, Theresa Russo, consoling Alex during heartbreak. Thus, the show’s handling of romance and its limited inclusion allows it to divert from the trap many series on teenagers fall into. With the new series focusing on Justin’s family, there likely will be romances his kids will have with other students. Still, there is also a chance to focus on his family and make a fun commentary on how he is either similar or different from the family household he grew up in.
All About Family and Magic
Disney Channel had a lot of originals that focused on the theme of family.Wizards of Waverly Placeis no different. However, the conversion of a typical family into a family of wizards made it fascinating. How the characters seem to break the boundary between normalcy and magic is the key driving force of the show. On top of it, the Russo family’s attempts to keep the secret while having each other’s backs make the series quite comforting. While this formula was laid down by the sci-fi seriesPhil of the Future,Wizards of Waverly Placefound a strong balance with having characters familiar with magic but also normal customs that made its characters more relatable to audiences.
The parents, Theresa and Jerry, are not only quite lovable, but they also add the parental touch necessary for the show. The contrasting nature of the three siblings makes it quite relatable and entertaining. With Justin’s brains and strict rule adherence, he is portrayed as responsible and the “golden child”. On the other hand, Alex is street-smart and mischievous, while the youngest, Max, is simply a clueless child. However, the show’s attempts at illustrating each character’s strengths allow the audience to find a little bit of their own selves within these characters. This definitely makesWizards of Waverly Placean attractive show. The chemistry between these actors has allowed them to create a lovable family that went on to win many fans.
The new series now has a chance to develop new family dynamics. While Gomez will not be a major star in the series, it is likely she will appear in guest roles throughout the series and can serve as a fun aunt, which is a dynamic the original series never quite explored. The series also has the chance to explore a more modern family dynamic with extended families and adopted andfound families. This appears to be the case as a major plot point of the new series will involve a young wizard showing up at Justin’s asking to be trained, so they will likely become part of the family. There are plenty of new dynamics that the series revival can explore that certainly justifies its existence and allow it to build off what came before.
