The world of Wizards of Waverly Place is back, and this time, it’s expanding into new, exciting territory. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place brings fans an enchanting continuation of the beloved Disney Channel series, packed with familiar faces, fresh stories, and the magic of family. Now streaming on Disney+, this revival captures the heart and humor that made the original show a fan favorite while introducing a new generation of wizards.
A Familiar Face Returns – Maria Canals-Barrera on Reprising Her Role
After more than a decade, Maria Canals-Barrera returns as Theresa Russo, the devoted yet magic-free matriarch of the Russo family. In an exclusive conversation, Canals-Barrera shared her excitement about stepping back into her iconic role, calling the experience “like we didn’t skip a beat.”
The new series honors the original while embracing something fresh. Canals-Barrera credits David Henrie (Justin Russo) and Selena Gomez (Alex Russo)—both serving as executive producers—for preserving the magic of the franchise. She emphasized that the heart of the show remains rooted in family, stating, “Russos always have each other’s backs.”
As a Cuban American actress, she also appreciates how Theresa Russo continues to be portrayed as a loving, relatable mom without being confined to stereotypes. “They didn’t put me in a box,” she explained. The show’s seamless blend of cultural authenticity and magical storytelling remains a key ingredient in its success.
A New Wizard in Training – Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie
The newest addition to the Russo family’s magical world is Billie, played by Janice LeAnn Brown. Billie is a young wizard under the guidance of Justin Russo, who must balance training her while raising his own children, Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). Brown describes Billie as a “rascally little fashionista” who constantly finds herself in sticky situations—sometimes magical, sometimes not.
For Brown, stepping into the Disney spotlight is a dream come true. A longtime fan of Wizards of Waverly Place, she shared how surreal it was to become part of the franchise. “I put a lot of pressure on myself,” she admitted, but the support from her co-stars, including Selena Gomez and David Henrie, helped her feel at home on set.
The Magic of Family and Fun
One of the most beloved aspects of Wizards of Waverly Place was its focus on family, and Wizards Beyond Waverly Place continues that tradition. Brown noted that the Russo family’s love for each other remains at the heart of the show, both on and off-screen. “Love exists, and you don’t have to give up on family,” she shared, hoping that viewers will see themselves reflected in Billie’s journey.
Canals-Barrera echoed this sentiment, praising the show’s ability to bring together audiences of all ages. “It’s perfect for the whole family,” she said. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the Russo family for the first time, this series offers a blend of comedy, adventure, and heartfelt moments.
All Episodes Now Streaming on Disney+
With all 11 episodes now available on Disney+, fans can dive into the next chapter of the Russo family’s magical journey. Whether it’s reconnecting with old favorites like Theresa Russo or discovering new characters like Billie, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place brings back the spellbinding charm that made the original series so beloved.
