Picture this: a lively set in Los Angeles, California, filled with laughter on a Friday afternoon in September. The cast and crew of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place are busy perfecting a hilarious scene. The dialogue coach cheers them on, encouraging the young actors to nail their delivery. Once they hit the right note, the room fills with an electric energy. "It's the best feeling ever, " showrunner Jed Elinoff says, emphasizing how laughter transforms a quiet soundstage into a magical place.

The magic happens organically here. Unlike traditional sets, this one isn't silent when the cameras roll. Without an audience, the crew steps in, applauding after every punchline. Star David Henrie admits it's unusual, but he loves the immediate feedback. "It's like living a dream, " he recalls when he and co-star Selena Gomez returned to the set.

Henrie and Gomez spent countless nights brainstorming a Wizards return loooong before filming started. This reboot follows an older Justin Russo, who lives a normal life but gets pulled back into the wizarding world to mentor a young apprentice. The first episode sets the tone: Alex Russo, played by Gomez, needs Justin's help to protect the Wizard World.

The excitement was palpable when production began. "It was like stepping back into a dream, " Henrie reminisces. The showrunners, Elinoff and Scott Thomas, felt the energy too. They acknowledged the pressure of recapturing the original series' magic but were relieved when the chemistry between Henrie and Gomez flowed naturally. "It was like they never left those characters, " Thomas notes.

But the pressure was real, especially with the creator, Todd Greenwald, on set. The cast and crew wanted to impress him. Luckily, he laughed at their jokes, giving everyone a sense of satisfaction. "It's like meeting your stepdad and hoping they approve, " Thomas jokes.

As filming progressed, the new cast members eased into their roles. Janice LeAnn Brown, who plays Billie, feels supported by her co-stars. "It feels like a family, " she shares. Henrie takes pride in fostering a positive set culture, reminding everyone, "The goal is to make kids laugh, especially those sitting alone at home. "

Gomez reflects on her Disney Channel days, wishing she had a mentor like her. Brown valued her experience, learning to stay true to herself. The series promises nostalgia for the original fans while introducing fresh stories and characters for the new generation. Audiences will see the Russo family lair recreated, even including original set pieces.

The showrunners plan to balance nostalgia with new storylines. Justin's parents will appear this season, and they hint at the possible return of other characters from the original franchise. They aim to tell a compelling story, not just rely on cameos. "We want the new kids to shine, " says Thomas.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premieres on the Disney Channel and Disney+, offering a magical adventure for both old and new fans.

How Magic Happens: A Peek Behind the Scenes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

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