Big news for those who grew up watching Selena Gomez on Wizards of Waverly Place: a sequel show is in the works, but not everyone is excited.
The hit Disney Channel drama returns, this time focused on Selena’s on-screen brother David Henrie (Justin Russo) as he teaches a young wizard how to harness their abilities.
While original cast members, including the star of Only Murders in the Building, are expected to return, Dan Benson turned to TikTok to express his dissatisfaction with his transition into adult entertainment.
The 36-year-old actor played Justin’s best buddy, Zeke Beakerman, in the Emmy-winning programme that aired from 2007 to 2012.
However, he has now abandoned acting in favour of creating explicit material on OnlyFans, where he earns a decent living.
‘Are you kidding me, today they just announced that they’re bringing back Wizards of Waverly Place in a sequel. Are you kidding me?’ Dan said in the video.
He continued: ‘I mean, one – yo, that’s hype but oh boy. Oh boy, what have I done?’
The celebrity laughed somewhat maniacally as he mused on how he had ‘waited like 13 years’ for his hit programme to return, only to have it happen a year into his alternate career.
He added: ‘Dan becomes a porn star, let’s reboot Wizards again. You guys suck.’
Dan previously said that, despite his many jobs on Disney, he was left destitute, so he bravely changed directions and is now earning’scary’ money.
The former Disney actor smiled and said he was simply joking, but he did wonder what they would do with his role, who was important to Justin’s life in the original.
He asked: ‘They just act like he doesn’t exist? Do they recast him? Oh my god is there gonna be someone else playing – no!’
A pilot episode for this follow-up has apparently been ordered, and it will be executive produced by David and Selena, who will feature in a few episodes.
David will return as a series regular, along with new cast members Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Mimi Gianopulos.
The story follows an adult Justin, who has given up his talents for a life with his wife and children, but is drawn back into the wizarding world following an event at the magical WizTech school.
Who else was in the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place?
The initial cast featured David, who went on to star in How I Met Your Mother, and Selena, who rose to superstardom.
Jake T. Austin played Max, the Russo brothers’ younger brother, and has subsequently been in The Emoji Movie and Adverse.
David DeLuise, the son of comedian Dom DeLuise, who has worked with Burt Reynolds, played father Jerry, while Maria Canals-Barrera played mother Theresa.
Jennifer Stone, who currently co-hosts the Wizards of Waverly Podcast with David DeLuise, played Alex’s closest friend Harper and Dan’s on-screen love interest.
It’s unclear whether the rest of the Russo family or other original series regulars will return for the new season.
Selena confirmed the claims with an Instagram post of her and David from the show, simply writing, ‘We’re back.’
There is no definite premiere date for the new series, but it is expected to begin production in 2024.