Disney fans, the magic is back! David Henrie, beloved for his role as Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, returns to the franchise in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Season 2—streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning October 8.
Passing the Wand to a New Generation
The next chapter of the Wizards saga finds Justin Russo quite literally passing the wand to the next generation. His sons Roman and Milo, played by Alkaio Thiele and Max Matenko, and his trainee Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), take center stage as they prepare for the Family Wizard Competition. But this season, a new and mysterious threat looms, putting the fate of the Russo family in jeopardy.
A Magical Homecoming for David Henrie
For Henrie, returning to Justin was deeply personal. As both a father and executive producer, he worked closely with co-star and co-executive producer Selena Gomez to evolve Justin’s story into one that reflects parenthood. “That was one of the first dominoes to fall when coming up with this idea,” Henrie told D23. He shared how much fun it’s been to embrace Justin’s “dad voice” both on and off screen.
Balancing Nostalgia and New Magic
Henrie and the creative team faced a unique challenge—how to honor longtime fans while welcoming new ones. “Our goal was to make the original fans feel seen and hugged, but at the same time, create an invitation to a whole new generation,” Henrie said. The result is a series that bridges generations with heart, humor, and a touch of chaos—exactly what fans expect from the Russo family.
Found Family at the Heart of the Series
The theme of family—both real and found—remains central. Henrie describes the Russos as “messy and chaotic,” but ultimately, they always have each other’s backs. Season 2 dives deeper into that emotional core, exploring the highs and lows of family life through episodes like the Christmas special and season finale, both filled with heartfelt moments.
Henrie even revealed that during a powerful scene between Billie and Alex Russo (Selena Gomez), “half the set was literally needing tissues because they were sniffling, crying—it was so meaningful.” The bond among cast members translated into performances Henrie proudly called “award-worthy.”
Streaming Soon on Disney+
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the Russo family’s next adventure unfold. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Season 2 premieres October 8 on Disney+. Expect laughs, spells, and a whole lot of heart as this new chapter of Disney Channel nostalgia takes flight once again.
