Jake T. Austin has said he was disappointed not to be included in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, the sequel to Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, despite saying he was willing to return as Max Russo. His comments highlight conflicting accounts over his absence, as co-star David Henrie said Austin had been offered a role but was busy, while Austin said the programme’s makers chose a different direction.

The spin-off premiered in 2024 and concluded with its third season this week, following Justin Russo’s family while Selena Gomez returned periodically as Alex. Other original cast members, including David DeLuise, Maria Canals-Barrera, Gregg Sulkin and Jennifer Stone, appeared, but Austin was the only Russo sibling not to return; the show explained Max was running a billion-dollar franchise and living on a yacht.