“Wizards of Waverly Place” star Jake T. Austin is slamming Disney for allegedly failing to incorporate him within the rebooted sequence, “Wizards Past Waverly Place.” Over the previous few days, the 31-year-old has voiced his frustration with the brand new present and, in a brand new put up, claimed that he wasn’t even invited to the present’s 2024 premiere.
For many who could also be unfamiliar, Austin performed Max Russo within the authentic sequence, which aired on Disney from 2007 to 2012. The rebooted sequence, which stars his fictional brother, Justin Russo, performed by David Henrie, premiered on the community in 2024.
Whereas not one of the OG solid members had been fundamental characters within the reboot aside from Henrie, each character from the primary household, together with Selena Gomez, David DeLuise, and Maria Canals-Barrera, made an look within the first season. Austin, nonetheless, didn’t.
He voiced his frustration concerning the scenario two days in the past, in response to The Blast, saying he was “disenchanted” he was omitted of the present. “Regardless that I wasn’t concerned, I nonetheless don’t have anything however love for my former castmates and want them continued success. Thanks to all of the followers who watched through the years. The present wouldn’t be what it’s with out your countless help,” he added.
Henrie Denies Austin’s Claims, Says His Former Co-Star Was Requested A number of Occasions To Be part of The ‘Wizards’ Reboot
Henrie denied Austin’s claims in a sequence of various Instagram Tales posts yesterday, August 7.
In a single, Henrie stated that not solely would he have cherished to have seen Austin’s character return, Disney executives allegedly “known as him, texted, and went by way of his brokers” to get him again.
One of many rebooted sequence’ showrunners confirmed Henrie’s assertion, including on X, “David Henrie is right. Jake was requested a number of instances by many individuals. Actually wished him again. No response.”
Austin Says He Was Left Out Of The ‘Wizards’ Reboot From Day One, Says He Wasn’t Invited To The Premiere
A day later, Austin returned to his Instagram Tales with a prolonged put up, revealing how every part allegedly went down.
“I first met with Disney in 2020 to debate returning as Max for what I used to be advised was basically going to be a continuation of the unique sequence,” he wrote. Persevering with, Austin stated conversations stalled, after which he realized that the reboot had been greenlit to sequence with the remainder of the world in October 2024.
“I used to be the one Russo member of the family who wasn’t invited to make a cameo look or go to the set by the tip of season 1,” he added. “I used to be additionally not invited to the premiere.”
Austin Says He Was Requested To Return Solely After The First Season Wrapped
Austin, who additionally appeared in “The Suite Life on Deck,” claimed that he was “saved at midnight” by Disney concerning the present till after the primary season wrapped. After that, Austin stated he acquired DMs from Henrie, asking if he could be taken with reprising his position within the second season.
Nonetheless, by that time, Austin wasn’t “” in returning as a result of he felt “dismissed” by Disney for not being invited in the course of the first season.
Including to the drama, Austin stated he wasn’t a “fan” of the place the present was heading, including that “the entire thing felt off.”
“I really feel like extra of the OG Wizards solid ought to have been concerned from the start, not simply randomly seem for an episode or two, so I handed,” he completed.
Austin’s Destiny In The Collection Was Revealed
Though Austin was the one Russo to not seem within the rebooted sequence, Henrie and Gomez addressed his destiny in the course of the season premiere in 2024. Whereas talking with one of many different characters, Henrie reveals his brother had taken over their father’s chain of sub retailers and turn out to be a rich man.
“So, you’re the man who owns all of the sandwich retailers? Like, the billionaire,” the character requested Henrie’s character, Justin. “Uh, no, that might be Max,” he replied. “I’m a center college vice principal, which some would say is far cooler than being a billionaire.”
“I might by no means say that,” Gomez’s character clapped again. “No person says that.”
