Selena Gomez Revisits Her Early Career with Candid Reflections
Selena Gomez has shared a nostalgic yet self-deprecating look back at her role on Wizards of Waverly Place, the Disney Channel hit that launched her career. The actress, who is now 32, recently watched a scene from the show’s series finale for Vanity Fair and opened up about her mixed feelings regarding the early seasons.
“I really appreciated our writers. We had talent from shows like Friends and Dom DeLuise’s son, whose humor was inherently captivating,” Gomez said, praising the creative team behind the series. David DeLuise, who played her character Alex Russo’s father, Jerry, was particularly memorable for his improvisational style, which Gomez found both challenging and endearing.
Despite her appreciation for the show’s legacy, Gomez admitted that revisiting the first season brings a cringe-worthy reaction. “When I watch the first season, I cringe,” she confessed. “However, I also find myself laughing at those moments because they reflect what made Wizards special.”
Gomez’s connection to the series is evident in her involvement with the upcoming revival, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. In the new series, David Henrie reprises his role as Justin Russo, now leading a family of his own. Gomez is set to guest star, marking her return to the magical world that made her a household name.
The revival’s plot follows Justin, who must rekindle his magical abilities to mentor a young wizard-in-training, all while balancing his normal life and protecting the Wizard World. Gomez and Henrie were emotional upon their return to the set, with Gomez remarking, “This is where it all started. We’re home.”
Gomez has described her return to the series as “like a dream,” expressing gratitude for her early career and hoping that the new chapter will bring joy to both new and old fans. “I truly feel like it was the place I started, and I’ll always be grateful for that time,” she added.