Top 10 Behind the Scenes Secrets About Wizards of Waverly Place

The Russos aren’t your standard family, so finding the right setting to tell their stories was vital. Before settling on Greenwich Village, the creators were mesmerized by Ireland’s culture and charm, but ultimately thought that New York City would be more relatable to American audiences.They also toyed with the idea of the Russos owning a magic shop, but perhaps that was too on the nose, although it could have made a good cover anytime their magic got out of hand. Then again the “Waverly Sub Station” is probably a better cover for a family of wizards on the down low.

The real wizards in this show are the writers who used their magic to conjure up new spells for every episode. For example, the spell “Murrieta-animata”, used for bringing inanimate objects to life, takes its name from the show’s writer and executive producer, Peter Murrieta. They also may have used their consulting producer, Gigi McCreery as a springboard for the spell “McReary-Time Reary”, which rewinds times. You can also spot a nod to the show’s creator and executive producer, Todd J. Greenwald in the window of the hardware store across the street from the Waverly Sub Station.

After it set Disney Channel records for the longest running show and the most watched finale, it wasn’t just the fans who wanted to hold onto a bit of the magic. After the series ended, the three young wizards were allowed to keep their wands, while Gregg Sulkin, who played Mason, held onto his werewolf teeth. Selena Gomez has talked about the strong bond she felt with Alex and even misses how she used to keep the wand in her boot. Once they had wrapped, she had the wand framed to commemorate this special time in her life.

After finding his feet as the oldest Russo sibling, David Henrie turned his attention to the creative process, particularly the writing. In fact, as well as a starring role throughout the series, he also has writing credits for two “Wizards of Waverly Place” episodes, including season three’s “Alex’s Logo,” and “Meet the Werewolves” from season four. We can only imagine he wished the “Edgebonoutoosis” spell was real, to help him split his responsibilities as a writer and an actor. Still, with the cast dropping hints about a possible reunion, we hope to see David flex his writing skills once again.

This one is for the Broadway aficionados among us. Some observant fans of the show noticed a poster hanging up in the Sub Station that bore a remarkable similarity to a certain Tony Award-winning musical. Not only do the graphics look almost identical but “Sublet” is practically a synonym for “RENT”. Other than both taking place in Manhattan, this show isn’t exactly what we would call Disney Channel material. Nevertheless, since the musical was still running on Broadway, while we were getting to know the Russos, it seems like the placement of this poster was no coincidence.

As much as we love this show, we have to admit that when you say “Wizarding school,” our minds immediately go to Hogwarts. The writers took this in stride, and basically created a parody version called WizTech. As well as very similar looking robes, Harry Potter-style glasses are incorporated as part of the WizTech uniform, too. Professor Crumbs is almost a dead ringer for Albus Dumbledore, and Justin’s rival Jerko Phoenix is meant to give us real Draco Malfoy vibes. Just in case that isn’t enough to convince you, maybe this tongue-in-cheek line will do the trick.

Of course today we know there is no one better suited to the role of Justin Russo than David Henrie. But did you know that Joe Jonas also auditioned for the role? While this casting wasn’t meant to be, it did lead Joe and his brothers to “Camp Rock” and their own series, “Jonas”. Based on the characters Joe went on to play, it’s hard to imagine him as the Justin we know and love today. Still, we reckon they made the right call, and at least we still got to see Joe in other Disney Channel roles anyway.

If you spotted this one, then you just might be an actual wizard. The show’s catchy theme song, sung by Selena Gomez, serves as exposition, as well as introducing us to the principal cast. While you may have every word memorized, there is one additional tiny detail that you might have missed. As we’re introduced to David DeLuise, who plays Jerry Russo, check out each episode-specific easter egg on the chalkboard behind him. You might want to hit pause for a closer look, as this magical prop reveals what lessons or spells the young Russos are about to learn.

It wasn’t unusual for details to change throughout production of the show, even once shooting for the pilot had begun. For instance, Selena’s character was almost called Julia or Brooke, but relatively late in the production process, the writers decided to change the family’s name to Russo, and thought the name “Alex” worked better. In an Instagram post, David Henrie also revealed that while shooting the pilot, the show’s title was actually “The Amazing O’Malley’s.” Other names which were considered included “The Amazing Hannigans” and “Disney Wizards”. Yeah, those earlier options just don’t have the right ring to them, wouldn’t you agree?

Another revelation from Henrie’s Instagram post is that Justin and Alex were initially written as twins. Although these siblings could not be more polar opposites, it’s actually refreshing that they decided against any stereotypical and limited twin tropes in the end. Justin is hardworking, ambitious and a stickler for the rules, while Alex is happy to cut corners wherever she can. Still, we love how Alex secretly looks up to her big brother, while Justin just can’t help but be protective of his little sister. If you ask us, this dynamic works much better, and just makes their chemistry all the more magical.