Disney is conjuring up the next chapter in its Wizards of Waverly Place franchise with a new series called Wizards (working title) that picks up where one of Disney Channel’s most popular sitcoms left off. 

Disney Channel has greenlit Wizards, and Disney Branded Television is set to start production on it next month in LA. The live-action sitcom is slated to premiere sometime this year on Disney+ and Disney Channel. Continuing the saga of Wizards of Waverly Place (which ran from 2007 to 2012), the new series follows wizard Justin Russo, who gives up his normal life to train a young protégé and protect the magical realm. 

Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (Raven’s Home) are writing and executive producing the show, with Gary Marsh (Descendants: The Rise of Red) also on board as an EP. Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain) will direct multiple episodes (he also directed the pilot, which was announced in January). Actors Selena Gomez and David Henrie (who plays Justin Russo) will also executive produce, and Gomez will guest star in the show. 

Wizards of Waverly Place was a hit for Disney Channel during its original run, and its series finale was one the channel’s biggest ever, drawing more than 9.8 million viewers. Its popularity continues today—the show is 6.5 times more in-demand than the average TV series in the US, according to Parrot Analytics. 

Pictured from left to right are Wizards cast members: David DeLuise, David Henrie, Selena Gomez and Maria Canals Barrera. Photo courtesy of David Henrie.