Remember the golden age of Disney Channel? The era of Hannah Montana, That’s So Raven, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody? Well, it’s back—and it’s better than ever. With the revival of Wizards of Waverly Place and the creation of live-action shows like Vampirina: Teenage Vampire, Disney is reclaiming its throne in the hearts of a new generation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can these reboots and new shows truly recapture the magic of the past, or are they just capitalizing on nostalgia? Let’s dive in.
Janice LeAnn Brown, star of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, and Kenzi Richardson, lead of Vampirina, are at the forefront of this Disney renaissance. In an exclusive interview with Decider, they shared their excitement about bringing Disney back to life. Janice gushed, ‘I’m just so glad that we get to bring Disney back. It’s such a beloved thing, and I really hope that this new generation can experience that.’ Kenzi echoed her sentiments, adding, ‘To know that we’re carrying on the iconic legends of all these people and Disney shows that have come before us, it means the world.’
But this isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about evolution. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, executive produced by and starring David Henrie and Selena Gomez, has already dropped its second season, revealing a jaw-dropping twist: Billie (Brown), the young wizard trained by Justin (Henrie), is actually Alex’s (Gomez) daughter, erased from memory to protect her from her evil grandfather. ‘We were all bawling,’ Brown recalled of filming the emotional final scene. ‘I was not expecting them to go that way with a Disney sitcom, but I’m actually really glad with how it came out.’
When asked about leading the next generation of Disney stars, Janice reflected on her journey: ‘It seems like yesterday I was six, watching Wizards of Waverly Place with my big cousin, and now I’m on the sequel. It’s insane.’ Kenzi added, ‘To say that we’re bringing live-action shows back and that we have our crossover coming is so extraordinary.’
And this is the part most people miss: Both stars emphasized the importance of staying true to themselves in an industry that often tries to mold them. Kenzi shared, ‘No matter what, you just have to keep going and be yourself. Because being unique, at the end of the day, people that are going to love you for you are going to love you for you.’ Janice, echoing advice from Selena Gomez, added, ‘Even with all the noise, just try and prioritize being true to myself, because that’s what really is going to matter.’
The Wizards/Vampirina crossover episode promises mischief, spells, and singing—a perfect blend of both worlds. When asked about their characters’ powers, Kenzi joked about Vee’s super speed and bat transformation, while Janice admitted she’d use Billie’s ‘Heatus Completus’ spell to heat up nachos instantly. ‘I’m just that much of a big baby,’ she laughed.
As Disney continues to dominate pop culture, Janice and Kenzi are excited to see what’s next. From Selena Gomez’s wedding to the anticipation of Season 3 of Wizards, they’re living their dreams and inspiring a new generation. But here’s the question: Can Disney’s new era truly stand on its own, or will it always be compared to the past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
