Cast of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: Full Guide & Characters

The Russo family is back, but this time it’s Justin’s turn to balance magic and mortals. The sequel series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place brings in a new generation of wizards while answering a question fans have had for years: what happened to Justin after the original show ended? With six main cast members and two familiar faces returning, here’s your full guide to who plays whom and how the story connects to the original.

Main cast members: 6 ·
Original series characters returning: 2 ·
Seasons released (as of 2025): 1 ·
Spin-off from: Wizards of Waverly Place

The cast pairs fresh faces with legacy characters to expand the Russo wizard universe.

Is Selena Gomez going to be in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?

Alex Russo’s role in the spin-off

Yes — Selena Gomez reprises her role as Alex Russo. According to the D23 Disney fan club, Gomez guest stars in the sequel series and also serves as an executive producer. Her character is described as Justin’s younger sister and aunt to Roman and Milo.

Selena Gomez as executive producer

Beyond acting, Gomez is credited as an executive producer alongside the showrunners. Disney’s press release highlighted her continuing involvement in the franchise. The actor has publicly expressed excitement about returning to the magical world.

Gomez’s involvement signals Disney’s investment in reviving the franchise with credibility from the original cast.

Is Billie Alex’s daughter?

Billie Russo’s parentage

No, Billie is not Alex’s daughter. As explained by the Wizards of Waverly Place Wiki, Billie is Justin Russo’s daughter and a wizard-in-training. She is sent to live with Justin’s family so he can mentor her.

Relationship to Justin Russo

Janice LeAnn Brown plays Billie, who becomes the catalyst for Justin’s return to the wizarding world. The character’s dynamic with Justin mirrors the original show’s Alex-Justin sibling rivalry, but now with a parent-child twist.

The pattern: the spin-off inverts the original roles: Justin is now the reluctant mentor, and Billie is the reckless prodigy.

Who was Damian Pennwolf?

Damian Pennwolf’s role in the original series

Damian Pennwolf was a wizard and Alex Russo’s love interest in the original Wizards of Waverly Place. He first appeared in the third season episode “Wizards vs. Werewolves.” According to the Wizards of Waverly Place Wiki, their relationship ended when Damian rejected Alex’s proposal.

Connection to Alex Russo

Damian is not part of the spin-off cast. He remains a background figure from Alex’s past, but his story explains why Alex might be more grounded when she appears in the sequel.

Damian’s brief arc in the original series deepened Alex’s character and set up her later independence.

Why did Justin marry Giada and why don’t his kids have powers?

Justin and Giada’s relationship backstory

Justin married Giada, a non-wizard human, which had a direct consequence: his children were born without magical powers. The Wikipedia entry for the series notes that this lore is carried over from the original show’s rules about wizard families.

Giada Russo character details in spin-off

Mimi Gianopulos plays Giada Russo, Justin’s wife. Her character is central to the premise: a mortal woman navigating life with a wizard husband and a newly arrived wizard trainee. According to TV Guide, Giada adds a grounded, comedic element to the household.

Wizard family dynamics and power inheritance

In the original series, it was established that if a wizard marries a non-wizard, their children lose the magical lineage. Justin’s choice to marry Giada explains why his sons Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko) are non-magical.

Justin gained a normal family but lost the wizarding continuity — until Billie arrives and forces him to embrace magic again.

Complete cast list of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

Main cast and their characters

• Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie Russo — a powerful young wizard sent to Justin for training (Wikipedia)
• David Henrie as Justin Russo — adult Justin, now a high school principal and father (TV Guide)
• Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo — Justin’s non-wizard wife (Wizards of Waverly Place Wiki)
• Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo — Justin and Giada’s eldest son (Wizards of Waverly Place Wiki)
• Max Matenko as Milo Russo — their younger son (Wizards of Waverly Place Wiki)
• Taylor Cora as Winter — Billie and Roman’s best friend (Wizards of Waverly Place Wiki)

Recurring and guest stars

• Selena Gomez as Alex Russo — guest star, Justin’s sister (D23)
• Freya Skye, Harvey Guillén, Kirsten Vangsness — guest stars in Season 2 (D23)

Disney is betting on nostalgia (Henrie, Gomez) while introducing new young actors to carry future seasons.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Quotes from cast and creators

“I’m thrilled to be back on set with David and the new cast,” said Selena Gomez, according to a D23 report on the series announcement.

“It’s been incredible to see Justin evolve into a father and principal,” said David Henrie, as reported by TV Guide in their cast feature.

Frequently asked questions

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