Jake T. Austin, who played Max Russo on the original Wizards of Waverly Place, said he was disappointed not to be included in the Disney Channel revival Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. In a rare public comment about the spinoff, the actor expressed disappointment about being left out of the new series. The revival brought back some familiar faces, but not all of the Russo family appeared in its four-part finale. Selena Gomez, who starred as Alex Russo in the original show and in the revival, said the finale marks the end of her time with the character. She also said she hopes the new conclusion helps audiences fall in love with family shows again.