(LEFT: Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images RIGHT: Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ recently came to an end after two seasons. The spinoff brought back several OG ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ cast members for its four-part finale. Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jennifer Stone, Gregg Sulkin, and Maria Canals-Barrera all reprised their roles. However, Jake T. Austin, who played Max Russo, was noticeably missing. Now, Jake and David are sharing their sides of what happened behind the scenes.
While Wizards Beyond Waverly Place wrapped up with its finale, Jake T. Austin spoke out about his absence from the spinoff. Jake played Max Russo throughout the original series but never reprised his role. He revealed that he was interested in returning. Despite his disappointment, Jake showed love to his former castmates and wished them continued success. He also thanked longtime fans for their support.
“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff. I was asked back in 2020 if I was interested in reprising my role and said that I was 100% in.
Unfortunately, the powers that be decided to take the show in a different direction and my character wasnt part of the equation.
Even though I wasnt involved, I still have nothing but love for my former castmates and wish them continued success. Thank you to all the fans who watched over the years. The show wouldnt be what it is without your endless support.”
David DeLuise, who played Jerry Russo, also weighed in under Entertainment Tonights recap of the OG cast reunion. “Would not be over if the OG wizards were really there. Missed opportunity,”David wrote. David previously reprised his role as Jerry during the spinoff. However, he did not return for the four-part series finale.
Many Wizards of Waverly Place viewers wanted answers following Jake T. Austins post. Some even made their way to David Henries Instagram DMs. David, who serves as an executive producer on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, shared DMs from fans showing love to the finale. He also shared a message questioning why Max was not included. David stated that he wouldve loved for Jake to reprise his role as Max. However, he claimed Jake declined numerous offers to return.
I woulda loved to have Max back but sadly he didnt accept our numerous offers to join the new show. We called him, texted, went through agents etc. I would have loved for this new generation of millions of kids to get to meet Max, but I respect his decision and wish him all the best.”
Later that Friday, Jake T. Austin took to his Instagram Story to explain why he ultimately declined returning to Wizards. Jake said he first learned about the spinoff through the media in 2024. He claimed he was the only Russo family member not invited to make a cameo or visit the set during Season 1.
Jake said David eventually reached out about returning. However, he passed after feeling “dismissed” and “kept in the dark” during Season 1. “The full story from my perspective: I first met with Disney in 2020 to discuss returning as Max for what I was told was essentially going to be a continuation of the original series,” he said.
“I only learned a spin-off was happening when it was announced in the media in October 2024. I was the only Russo family member who wasnt invited to make a cameo appearance or visit the set by the end of s1. I was also not invited to the premiere.
I was kept in the dark about coming back until after the show wrapped s1. In April 2025 I received a DM from David asking if I would be interested in returning to the show.
By that point, I already felt dismissed for not being invited back during s1. And I wasnt a fan of where they were taking the show in general. The whole thing felt off.
I feel like more of the OG Wizards cast should have been involved from the beginning, not just randomly appear for an episode or two, so I passed.”
