Selena Gomez's New Wizards Of Waverly Place Update Perfectly Sets Up 1 Missing OG Character’s Return (2024)

The new Wizards of Waverly Place sequel images revealed by Selena Gomez perfectly set up the return of one original cast member who has been missing from teases surrounding the upcoming show. These images for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place showcase how Justin Russo's (David Henrie) new family will be having magical adventures of their own alongside Gomez's Alex as the two elder Russos train the next generation. Though the focus seems to be on these magical aspects, one of these new photos seems to hint at how one of Wizards of Waverly Place's main characters could return in a non-magical way.

Max Russo (Jake T. Austin) was mostly relegated to being comic relief in the original series, with Alex and Justin's Wizards of Waverly Place dynamic taking center stage. At the end of the series, he took over the family sandwich shop, having lost his magic as Alex was chosen as the Russo family wizard. His appearance in the new series initially seemed unlikely due to this ending, as the focus will be on Justin and his children's magical journey. However, as more updates for Wizards of Waverly Place's sequel emerge, Max's return seems more and more likely.

Wizards Of Waverly Place's Lair Image Sets Up Max Russo's Return

The Russo's Access Their Family Lair Through Their Sandwich Shop

This behind-the-scenes photo for the sequel seems to showcase Alex and Justin in the family's original lair, giving the series a way to include Max's character. Wizards of Waverly Place's new sequel images do not include Max explicitly. Despite this, having Alex and Justin pictured in what appears to be their original lair could allow Max to make a cameo, as the Russos can only access the lair through what is now Max's shop. This image, combined with Max's actor possibly hinting at his Wizards of Wavery Place return, could allow for Max to make an appearance but also depart the story organically.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Could Still Move The Lair After Max's Cameo

Max Could Ask Justin To Move The Lair Due To His Lack Of Magic

Though having the lair in his sandwich shop would allow him to reunite with his siblings, Justin could move the lair out of the shop at Max's request after his cameo. The original series established that a lair could be moved if an appeal to the wizard court was made and a 4000-page form was filled out. Though the process seems cumbersome, the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel could have Justin go through with it in order to begin teaching his children magic. Doing so would separate the memories of his younger days while avoiding something strongly connected to Max if he's not around.

After Max's initial appearance, he could request the lair be moved as he cannot be of any assistance magically, a fact that could put strain on the Russo's dynamic. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place's new show storyline will focus on the magical exploits of both the old and new Russos, which Max would be excluded from. Though he could act similarly to the Russo's mother as a non-magical guide, Max could just as likely depart the show after Justin moves the lair, letting the character's ending be final and allowing for new stories to emerge in the Wizards of Waverly Place universe.

Wizards (2024)

The Wizards of Waverly Place return for an all-new generation of Russos to take up the mantle, guided by one of the former series protagonists, Justin Russo. Having decided to leave his wizarding life behind, Justin is dragged back into the magical world when a young wizard in training arrives at his door step.

Cast

Selena Gomez , Justin Russo , Janice LeAnn Brown , Alkaio Thiele , Mimi Gianopulos

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Disney+

Franchise(s)

Wizards of Waverly Place

Writers

Jed Elinoff , Scott Thomas

Directors

Andy Fickman