The Wizards of Waverly Place family reunion ended with one familiar face feeling something important was missing. David DeLuise suggested the sequel series could have delivered a stronger farewell if more original stars had returned.
The finale closed one magical chapter, but DeLuise’s reaction quickly sparked conversation among longtime fans.
David DeLuise believed the sequel never reached its full potential without the original cast
DeLuise recently shared his thoughts after Wizards Beyond Waverly Place aired its series finale. Under an Entertainment Tonight Instagram video featuring Selena Gomez and David Henrie, he didn’t hide his disappointment. “It would not be over if the OG wizards were really there. Missed opportunity,” he wrote.
The actor portrayed Jerry Russo throughout the original Disney Channel hit from 2007 to 2012. Although he returned for two episodes of the revival, he did not appear in the four-part finale.
The sequel centered on Justin Russo after he stepped away from magic to raise his family. Alex Russo returned throughout the revival, with Selena Gomez also serving as an executive producer. She also directed the opening episode of the show’s final story arc.
Several familiar faces joined the farewell. Maria Canals-Barrera reprised Theresa Russo, while Jennifer Stone returned as Harper Finkle. Gregg Sulkin also appeared again as Mason Greyback. However, Jake T. Austin did not return as Max Russo. Instead, the series explained that Max had built a multimillion-dollar business before leaving to live on a yacht.
In the Entertainment Tonight interview, Gomez admitted saying goodbye felt emotional after playing Alex Russo for nearly two decades. “It’s really surreal to say that I’m done playing this character,” she said. She added that filming her final scene alongside Jennifer Stone “could not have been better,” according to E! News.
Off camera, DeLuise has maintained close friendships with the original cast. He attended Gomez’s wedding to Benny Blanco in September and later shared reunion photos featuring Gomez and Jennifer Stone. “Such a joyful night full of laughter, love, and the kind of fun that reminds you how good it feels to reconnect with family! The best reunion ever,” he wrote on Instagram earlier this year.
His latest comment suggests he believes that same family magic belonged in the show’s final goodbye.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE WIZARDS BEYOND WAVERLY PLACE FINALE SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED MORE OF THE ORIGINAL CAST?
