Understand Max Russo’s absence in the new series

The long-awaited return of the series “Wizards of Waverly Place”, now “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”, brought back the iconic characters Justin and Alex Russo, played by David Henrie and Selena Gomez. However, the absence of Jake T. Austinwho had suggested his participation in the project, generated questions among fans.

The reboot only presents Selena Gomez as Alex Russo in its inaugural episode, while new faces dominate the rest of the cast alongside David HenrieJustin Russo. Not yet released in Brazil, the initial season has 21 episodes, promising more surprises for viewers, says Capital FM.

In addition to Henrie and Gomezjust David DeLuiseplaying patriarch Jerry Russo, made an appearance in the new series, making the absence of Max Russo, character from Jake T. Austinbecome remarkable. Initially, only a pilot episode of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” was ordered before Disney confirmed the full series. At this initial stage, only David and Selena were officially involved as executive producers.

David Henrie has already responded to fan calls for more returns from the original cast, stating that there are plans to bring these characters back as the series progresses. In response to a fan on Twitter, Henrieassured: “We definitely plan to bring the original cast to the series.”

Although Max Russo has not appeared in the current episodes, his presence is mentioned. In the first episode of the new series, it is revealed that Max became a billionaire owner of a chain of sandwich shops after inheriting the Waverly Sub Station. Himself Jake T. Austin expressed interest in returning to the wizarding universe, indicating on social media his desire to reunite with his former colleagues.

Although there is no official confirmation about the return of Jake in this initial season, both David as Selena They still maintain contact with him, raising hopes for a possible future participation.

Regarding the career of Jake T. Austin post-Waverly Place, the actor took on the role of Jesus Foster in “The Fosters” before stepping away from the screen. In an interview with Flaunt magazine in 2019, Austin revealed that he faced personal challenges in Hollywood that influenced his decision to take a step back from his career. He said he ended up “hanging with the wrong crowd, making some bad choices and also not taking the job seriously.”

Between 2016 and 2017, Jake lent his voice to the character Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in some Justice League and Teen Titans animations. Since then, his cinematic appearances have been sporadic, with his last work recorded in 2020.

Fan expectations remain alive regarding the possible return of Jake T. Austin to the franchise in future episodes or even in a second season of the reboot.

Also read: In addition to Wizards of Waverly Place: 5 Disney Channel series that deserved to return