Selena Gomez Returns to Her Roots in ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’
Selena Gomez, a name synonymous with a generation’s childhood, is making a highly anticipated return to the role that first propelled her to stardom: Alex Russo from Disney Channel’s beloved Wizards of Waverly Place. As the reboot series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, prepares to charm new and old audiences alike, Gomez, now 33, has opened up about the profound and unexpected impact the character continues to have on her life, admitting, ‘I feel like I am Alex.’
Gomez was just 15 years old when she first donned Alex Russo’s magical robes in 2007, embarking on a journey that would span four successful seasons and 106 episodes until its conclusion in 2012. For five pivotal years of her adolescence, the show became not just a job, but a defining force, shaping her public persona and, as she now reveals, her very identity. After more than a decade away from the wizarding world, the prospect of revisiting the character at 31 for the new series has brought a flood of emotions and a startling realization.
In a candid conversation on the August 7 episode of Jake Shane’s ‘Therapuss’ podcast, Gomez reflected on her return to an ‘older version of Alex.’ When asked about her feelings regarding this new chapter, she described the reboot as a ‘new, refreshing take.’ However, it was her deeper introspection that truly resonated. ‘The character ultimately shaped who I am, because I feel like I am Alex,’ she confessed, a revelation that even surprised her. ‘That’s so weird,’ she mused on the podcast, adding with a touch of humor, ‘I feel like I should talk to my therapist about that.’
Despite the blurring lines between actress and character, Gomez emphasized the cathartic nature of the experience. ‘I relate to her so much,’ she shared. ‘Stepping back into Alex has been a pleasure.’ This journey back to her roots is steeped in nostalgia, a sentiment she readily embraces. ‘I know it’s me living in a nostalgic period, but at the same time, I loved doing that,’ Gomez explained, recalling a time when Disney Channel was a comforting staple. A ‘certified Disney kid,’ she fondly remembered other formative shows like Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, Suite Life, and even knowing ‘every Hannah Montana song.’
A New Chapter: Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
The new series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, marks a fresh chapter, focusing on Alex’s older brother, Justin Russo (David Henrie), who has embraced a ‘normal, mortal life with his family.’ However, the magic is reignited when Alex arrives with Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), a young wizard in need of mentorship. Justin is then compelled to ‘dust off his magical skills’ to guide Billie, safeguard the future of the Wizard World, and balance his everyday responsibilities. Gomez will make guest appearances in several episodes, helping to bridge the gap between generations.
At the reboot’s premiere in October, Gomez articulated her joy in bringing ‘the nostalgia back,’ acknowledging the profound significance of her beginnings. ‘This is what gave me everything that I have today, and I’ll never forget that this is where I started,’ she declared. Co-star David Henrie echoed her sentiment, describing the new show as ‘a love letter to you, a big warm hug, but also an invitation to pass the wand to a whole new generation.’ Fans eager to witness this magical reunion can stream Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on Disney+.
