# @etalkctv on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbvv-b2lqtZ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68991352-etalkctv-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4661a3be10.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-07T16:45:02.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Etalk (@etalkctv) — https://gondola.cc/etalkctv

## Caption

This feels like the messiest series finale in Disney Channel history. 😅➡️

Jake T. Austin, the actor who played Max Russo, has taken to his IG story to reveal that he was initially asked to be a part of the ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ spinoff, ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.’

“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 shared with his followers.

“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’s not the only cast member speaking out following the spinoff series finale. David DeLuise, who played Jerry Russo, and Dan Benson, who played Zeke, have both come forward to share their hearbreak over not starring in the series. 💔

David took to Disney’s IG comments stating, “It would not be over if the OG wizards were really there. Missed opportunity,” and Dan shared on X, “There was so much potential for a Wizards reboot and it turned into the failed David Henrie show.”

We didn’t really see much of the OG cast throughout the series. ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ centered around David Henrie (AKA Justin Russo) and his family taking in Selena Gomez’s (AKA Alex Russo) wizard-in-training daughter who needed Justin’s mentorship. 🔮

DeLuise appeared in two episodes of the sequel series, but the only OG cast members who cameos in the series finale were Selena Gomez, Gregg Sulkin, Jennifer Stone and Maria Canals-Barrera.

What are your thoughts on the drama surrounding ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?’ 👀 Let us know in the comments. ⬇️

(📸: Getty, IG/Jake T. Austin, Disney)

#WizardsBeyondWaverlyPlace #JakeTAustin #DavidDeLuise #DavidHenrie #SelenaGomez

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## Tags

wizardsbeyondwaverlyplace, daviddeluise, jaketaustin, selenagomez, davidhenrie

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