Everything is not a breeze in the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place universe. Jake T. Austin, who played Max Russo in the original series, spoke out about not being included in the final season of the spinoff, which many fans were angry over.
At the end of Wizards of Waverly Place, Max lost the Wizard Competition, meaning her lost his powers. Being the only Russo child to have not had magical powers had to be tough, but he still carried on the family legacy. In Wizards Beyond, Max was never seen on screen, but he was mentioned. Apparently, he had franchised the family’s Waverly Sub Station and became a millionaire.
The final season dropped in a four-part event on August 4, and with many original characters returning, including Harper (Jennifer Stone), Mason (Gregg Sulkin), and Theresa (Maria Canals-Barrera), it was odd that Austin had not, especially since they needed all the help they could get to find Alex (Selena Gomez). The actor shared an explanation on his Instagram Story on Thursday (August 6).
“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff,” he wrote. “I was asked back in 2020 if I was interested in reprising my role and said that I was 100% in.”
Jake T. Austin/Instagram
“Unfortunately, the powers that be decided to take the show in a different direction, and my character wasn’t part of the equation. Even though I wasn’t 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,” Austin went on. “The show wouldn’t be what it is without your endless support.”
However, there was an opportunity to include Austin in the finale season. During the last few minutes of the fourth episode, the family winds up back at Waverly Place for a meal after being reunited and defeating Nicodemus Penwulf. If Max owned the shop, surely he would have made an appearance.
David Henrie, who plays Justin and also executive-produced the series alongside Gomez, told us that he was invited back. “He definitely was. Yeah. He’s busy. He’s got a lot going on in his life. We love him and wish him all the best with everything that he’s got going on in his life,” Henrie said.
David DeLuise, who played the father, Jerry Russo, made guest appearances in the first two seasons, but did not appear in the final one. He also spoke out about not being included.
“It would not be over if the OG wizards were really there,” DeLuise wrote on Instagram under Entertainment Tonight‘s post. “Missed opportunity.”
Henrie did share that they want to do a movie to figure out who the family wizard is, so maybe both men will be brought back for that.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Disney+