Despite featuring much of the original cast,Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’s revival is leaving out a crucial part of the ensemble. The reboot ofWizards of Waverly Placefeatures a cast of new and original charactersputs the focus on Justin in his new life as a mortal. The new series followsJustin, his mortal wife, and two non-magical kids. When his sister, Alex (Selena Gomez), arrives with a young wizard named Billie by her side and asks Justin to train her,Justin accepts and uses his powers to begin Billie’s magical training, causing chaos in his family life.
WhileWizards Beyond Waverly Placereintroduces a lot of the same silly antics that made the original Disney Channel show so entertaining and features guest appearances by the original members of the Russo family, this belovedWizards of Waverly Placecharacter does not make an appearance in season 1. Fans of the series have raised complaints thatHarper (Jennifer Stone), a main character from the original show, does not show up at all in the sequel.
The Confusion Around Jennifer Stone’s Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Absence Explained
Harper Was A Huge Part Of The Original Show
Given how big of a role Jennifer Stone played inWizards of Waverly Place, it does make sense that there would be some disappointment about Harper being absent fromWizards Beyond Waverly Place. Harper was known for being quite silly and erratic in her behavior, as well as for her fantastical outfits which she constructed for herself.Harper’s kindness and positivity made her one of the most well-loved characters in the show, and as a mortal, she often balanced out Alex’s irresponsible use of magic.
Why Does Justin Russo Still Have His Powers In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (Despite Not Being The Family Wizard)?
The Wizards of Waverly Place spin-off show Wizards Beyond Waverly Place revealed that Justin Russo still has his powers, but it isn’t clear how.
Harper’s recognizable personality meant that fans immediately noticed her absence fromWizards Beyond Waverly Place. However, criticism increased from certain fans with the introduction of Justin’s wife, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos). Fans of the original show are concerned that Giada Russo inWizards Beyond Waverly Placeessentially replaced the character of Harper due to their similar appearances and mannerisms. Since Harper was such a popular character, it does make sense thatWizards Beyond Waverly Placewould want toreplace her with a similarly lovable character, and it ultimately does make sense that this character would not be Harper.
Harper’s Absence In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Makes Sense For The Reboot’s Story
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Does Not Focus On Alex
While it is disappointing that Harper does not make an appearance inWizards Beyond Waverly Place,the simplest explanation is that the show does not focus on Alex Russo. If Alex was the main character ofWizards Beyond Waverly Place, it would be strange if Harper was absent given her close friendship with Alex throughout the original show.
Ultimately, it is for the best thatWizards Beyond Waverly Placefocuses on setting up likable new characters for audiences to root for before bringing back old characters that cannot add much to the plot.
However, the focus is very clearly on Justin Russo raising his children and training Billie in how to use her powers. Since Alex Russo has only appeared in the Pilot so far, it would be difficult to work Harper into plots surrounding Justin’s family.If the show wrote Harper in too early, it might not feel like a natural progression. Ultimately, it is for the best thatWizards Beyond Waverly Placefocuses on setting up likable new characters for audiences to root for before bringing back old characters that cannot add much to the plot.
Will Jennifer Stone’s Harper Ever Appear In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?
Stone Has Previously Stated Her Interest In Returning
Though audiences ofWizards Beyond Waverly Placehave not gotten to see Harper make an appearance yet, there could still be potential for Jennifer Stone’s return in future episodes as her character was such a big part of the original show. Though Stone has mostly retired from acting and works as a nurse, on herWizardspodcast with David DeLuise, who does make an appearance in season 1, she has hinted at her interest in reprising her role as Harper. While there is no news yet on whether this will truly happen, the original cast members all seem happy about the reunion and about getting as many people together as possible.
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Throughout 4 seasons, Wizards of Waverly Place proved to be quite ingenious in offering bizarre twists to old and never-before-heard incantations.
Though season 2 is unconfirmed, if future seasons ofWizards Beyond Waverly Placeinclude Alex as a more prominent character, it would make sense to reintroduce Harper then. The reboot show could add a new layer to their friendship as Alex and Harper navigate adulthood, giving fans a chance to see how the two have grown together with and without magic. Given how much Harper interacted with all members of the Russo family in the original show, it seems possible that, when the time comes,Wizards Beyond Waverly Placewill be able to add her seamlessly back into the fold.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Cast
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows adult Justin Russo, who leads a normal life until his sister Alex asks for help with a young wizard-in-training. Justin must revive his magical skills to mentor the trainee while balancing his family life and safeguarding the Wizard World’s future.
