Magic is back on Disney Channel, but this time, there’s a whole new generation of wizards stepping up. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place isn’t just a nostalgic throwback—it’s a bold continuation of the Wizards of Waverly Place legacy, introducing fresh faces and deeper storytelling while bringing back familiar ones. The series follows Justin Russo, played by returning series regular David Henrie, who has traded his mischief-making days for fatherhood and responsibility. But when young wizard Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) unexpectedly lands in his care, he’s pulled back into the magical world to mentor her—while juggling life as a husband and parent.
Joining Billie on this journey is her best friend Winter (Taylor Cora), an unfiltered ball of energy who brings just as much fun as chaos to their adventures. Meanwhile, Justin’s own family—his wife Giada (Mimi Gianopulos) and their sons Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko)—adds another layer to the show’s mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes magic. And, of course, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place wouldn’t feel complete without Selena Gomez’s Alex Russo making an appearance, popping in as a guest star to stir things up.
In this interview, we sit down with Janice and Taylor to talk about stepping into a world that so many grew up watching, what it means to carry on the legacy of Black Disney leads, and how they built their offscreen chemistry. Plus, they share what it’s like working with Disney legends and what they hope audiences take away from this next chapter of Wizards.
So, let’s get into it—because magic is just getting started!