Jake T. Austin Says He’s Disappointed Over Exclusion from Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

Jake T. Austin, who portrayed Max Russo in the original Disney Channel series *Wizards of Waverly Place* (2007‑2012), posted on Instagram on August 6, 2024 expressing disappointment that he was not included in the revival *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*. He wrote that he was asked in 2020 if he wanted to reprise the role and said he was “100 % in,” but the show’s producers “decided to take the show in a different direction.” Austin added that he still has “nothing but love” for his former castmates and thanked fans for their support.

Co‑star David Henrie, who returned as Justin Russo and also executive‑produced the revival, said Austin was indeed invited but was “busy” with other commitments. Former cast member David DeLuise, who played Jerry Russo, called the omission a “missed opportunity.” The revival focused on Justin Russo’s family and featured Selena Gomez as Alex Russo, while Austin’s character Max was only referenced as having turned the family shop into a billion‑dollar franchise.

The series concluded with a four‑part finale on August 4, 2024, bringing back several original actors but leaving Austin’s Max Russo absent.