Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Selena Gomez Reflects on Disney Pilots and 'Wizards' Return
Selena Gomez, the star of "Wizards of Waverly Place," remembers when she tried to get roles on Disney Channel.
She tried out for two different shows, a spin-off of "Lizzie McGuire" and one from "The Suite Life", but Disney didn't pick them up.
Feeling a bit unsure, she then got the role in "Wizards of Waverly Place" and it was a huge hit.
Now, she's back in the sequel series "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" and a new season is coming out soon on Disney Channel and Disney+.
Selena Gomez recalls filming three Disney Channel pilots, including spinoffs of "Lizzie McGuire" and "The Suite Life."
Gomez's pilots for "Lizzie McGuire" and "Suite Life" spinoffs weren't picked up by Disney.
Gomez felt at her "wits' end" after the pilots weren't chosen, but found success with "Wizards of Waverly Place."
Gomez starred as Alex Russo on "Wizards of Waverly Place" and is currently in the reboot, "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place."
A teaser for Season 2 of "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" premiered, with the season debuting on Disney Channel in September and Disney+ in October.
- Who
- Selena Gomez, who starred in "Wizards of Waverly Place" and its reboot, and who was in pilots for other potential Disney series.
- What
- Selena Gomez discussed her journey with Disney, including unpicked pilots and the success of "Wizards of Waverly Place" and its sequel.
- When
- Gomez reflected on her experience filming pilots for Disney in the early 2000s and the upcoming release of Season 2 of "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" in September and October.
- Where
- On the Therapuss podcast and in the context of Disney Channel.
- Why
- Gomez was discussing her early career and the evolution of her career at Disney.
- Show Title
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
- Actress
- Selena Gomez
- Network
- Disney Channel
- Disney+ Release Date
- October 8
