Jake T. Austin has said he was disappointed not to be included in the Disney Channel sequel series “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”, despite being willing to reprise his role as Max Russo. His comments matter because they conflict with a recent explanation from former co-star David Henrie, who said Austin had been invited back but was too busy.

Austin said on Instagram that he had confirmed in 2020 he was “100%” interested in returning, but that the programme’s makers chose a different direction without his character. The revival ran for three seasons and ended with a four-part finale on 4 August; Selena Gomez, Henrie, David DeLuise and Maria Canals-Barrera all returned in varying capacities, while Disney Channel had not responded to Variety’s request for comment.