Original Wizards of Waverly Place star Jake T. Austin is sharing his feelings on not being invited to partake in the revival series days after its series finale.
“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff,” Austin wrote on his Instagram Story on Thursday, per People. “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 wasn’t part of the equation.”
He continued, “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. The show wouldn’t be what it is without your endless support.”
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place debuted in 2024 and ran for three seasons, finishing out its last installment on Tuesday. Austin, Selena Gomez and David Henrie starred in the Disney Channel series from 2007-2012, where they led the series as the wizardous Russo siblings.
Both Russo siblings, portrayed by Gomez and Henrie, returned for the revival and executive produced the series. Their onscreen parents, David DeLuise and Maria Canals-Barrera, also reprised their roles.
Austin’s claims contrast with what Henrie told TV Insider in a Wednesday interview. When asked if the actor was asked back, Henrie said, “He definitely was. Yeah. He’s busy.”
“He’s got a lot going on in his life,” he added. “We love him and wish him all the best with everything that he’s got going on in his life.”
In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, it’s explained that Austin’s Max turned their family Waverly Sub Station shop into a billion-dollar franchise, with his character now living on a yacht.