David Henrie reunited with Selena Gomez for the upcoming Wizards of Waverly Place revival, which will pick up with Henrie’s character, Justin Russo, years after the original series ended in 2012. Henrie described filming with Gomez as “awesome” and mentioned that they have a few scenes that will resonate with original fans. The new series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, will also feature appearances from other original cast members, including David DeLuise as the father, Jerry Russo.
Additionally, fans can expect to meet a new cast of characters, including Justin’s sons and wife, as well as a young wizard named Billie. Henrie expressed his excitement about the new cast, noting that his goal is to recreate the heart of the original show while introducing it to a younger audience. Justin’s role as a father in the series mirrors Henrie’s own life, as he is a father of three in real life. The new series will explore a backstory for Justin and raise questions about how he lost his powers.
Henrie is also partnering with Learning Resources, a children’s toy company, as a “playfluencer” for his own kids. He emphasized the importance of play in childhood development and how it can be used as a teaching tool. Henrie shared that his kids have already begun to showcase their acting skills during playtime, often incorporating stories and characters into their games. The partnership with Learning Resources allows Henrie to provide educational toys for his kids while instilling important values through play.
The actor is excited for fans to see the Wizards revival and is hopeful that the new series will capture the essence of the original show. He mentioned that he hopes to have the original cast members return for future episodes whenever possible. Henrie teased that there are some surprises in store for viewers in the pilot episode and hinted at a possible explanation for Justin losing his powers. Overall, he is thrilled to continue the Wizards of Waverly Place story and bring new and old fans along for the magical journey.
Henrie’s involvement with Learning Resources is a way for him to connect with his kids and positively influence their development through play. The educational toys provided by the company offer a fun and engaging way for kids to learn important skills while spending time with their families. Henrie views play as a valuable teaching opportunity and sees the potential for children to explore their creativity and imagination through storytelling and acting during playtime. This partnership allows him to share his passion for teaching and learning with his own children and audiences alike.
