‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ recently concluded after two seasons. The spinoff featured several original cast members from ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ for its four-part finale. Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jennifer Stone, Gregg Sulkin, and Maria Canals-Barrera all returned to their roles. However, Jake T. Austin, who portrayed Max Russo, was noticeably absent. Now, Jake and David are sharing their perspectives on what transpired behind the scenes.

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Jake T. Austin Opens Up About Being Left Out Of The ‘Wizards’ Spinoff

While ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ concluded with its finale, Jake T. Austin addressed his absence from the spinoff. Jake played Max Russo throughout the original series but did not reprise his role. He expressed interest in returning. Despite his disappointment, Jake extended his support to his former castmates and wished them ongoing success. He also expressed gratitude to longtime fans for their support.

“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff. 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.

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.”

David DeLuise, who played Jerry Russo, also commented under Entertainment Tonight’s recap of the original cast reunion. “Would not be over if the OG wizards were really there. Missed opportunity,” David wrote. David previously reprised his role as Jerry during the spinoff but did not return for the four-part series finale.

David Henrie Responds To Jake T. Austin’s Claims

Many ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ fans sought answers following Jake T. Austin’s statement. Some even reached out to David Henrie via Instagram DMs. David, who serves as an executive producer on ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,’ shared DMs from fans expressing love for the finale. He also shared a message questioning why Max was not included. David stated that he would have loved for Jake to reprise his role as Max but claimed that Jake declined numerous offers to return.

“I woulda loved to have Max back but sadly he didn’t accept our numerous offers to join the new show. We called him, texted, went through agents etc. I would have loved for this new generation of millions of kids to get to meet Max, but I respect his decision and wish him all the best.”

Jake T. Austin Shares More Details About Why He Didn’t Return

Later that Friday, Jake T. Austin took to his Instagram Story to explain why he ultimately declined returning to ‘Wizards.’ Jake mentioned that he first learned about the spinoff through media reports in 2024. He claimed he was the only member of the Russo family not invited to make a cameo or visit the set during Season 1.

Jake stated that David eventually reached out about returning, but he declined after feeling “dismissed” and “kept in the dark” during Season 1. “The full story from my perspective: I first met with Disney in 2020 to discuss returning as Max for what I was told was essentially going to be a continuation of the original series,” he said.

“I only learned a spin-off was happening when it was announced in the media in October 2024. I was the only Russo family member who wasn’t invited to make a cameo appearance or visit the set by the end of s1. I was also not invited to the premiere.

I was kept in the dark about coming back until after the show wrapped s1. In April 2025 I received a DM from David asking if I would be interested in returning to the show.

By that point, I already felt dismissed for not being invited back during s1. And I wasn’t a fan of where they were taking the show in general. The whole thing felt off.

I feel like more of the OG Wizards cast should have been involved from the beginning, not just randomly appear for an episode or two, so I passed.”

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