{
  "id": 249962,
  "title": "‘Disappointed’ Jake T. Austin Explains ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Spinoff Snub",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/disappointed-jake-t-austin-explains-wizards-of-waverly-place-spinoff",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T03:19:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/jake-t-austin-explains-wizards-of-waverly-place-spinoff-absence/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jake T. Austin expressed his disappointment that his \"Wizards of Waverly Place\" character was not included in the spinoff series, \"Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.\" He had agreed to return when the idea was first proposed in 2020 but was ultimately left out of the final decision. Austin shared his feelings on Instagram Story, stating he was \"100% in\" for the role before learning the show had taken a different direction. Despite not being part of the spinoff, he expressed his love for the former castmates and gratitude towards fans for their support. Fellow \"Wizards\" alumni, like David DeLuise, also criticized the spinoff for lacking the original characters. The finale of \"Wizards Beyond Waverly Place\" featured many original stars, including Selena Gomez and Jennifer Stone. The show's creator, Todd J. Greenwald, chose to ignore the spinoff in a later statement, saying it was all \"Max's dream.\" Greenwald praised the new cast members, vowing to work with any of them in the future. Disney representatives did not respond to requests for comment.",
  "summary": "“I was asked back in 2020 if I was interested in reprising my role and said that I was 100% in,” the actor adds The post ‘Disappointed’ Jake T. Austin Explains ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Spinoff Snub appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Jake T. Austin expressed disappointment over being left out of \"Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.\"",
    "Austin initially agreed to return to the role in 2020 but was excluded from the final decision."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TVLine",
        "title": "Why Jake T. Austin Didn't Return For Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: 'We Tried To Get Him,' Says David Henrie",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/why-jake-t-austin-didnt-return-for-wizards-beyond-waverly-place-we",
        "published": "2026-08-07T15:42:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hollywood Reporter",
        "title": "Jake T. Austin Says He Wasn’t Invited to Partake in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Revival: “Disappointed”",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/jake-t-austin-says-he-wasnt-invited-to-partake-in-wizards-of-waverly",
        "published": "2026-08-07T22:51:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}