Selena Gomez Playfully Admits She’s Still Deeply Connected to Her Wizards of Waverly Place Role: “Alex Is Basically Me—Maybe I Need to Bring That Up in Therapy”
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Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Gomez has acknowledged in the past that Wizards of Waverly Place laid the foundation for her entire career, saying she’ll always remember it as the starting point of everything she has today.
Selena Gomez Credits Her Career to Her Iconic Disney Role
At 33, Selena Gomez continues to recognize the major role Wizards of Waverly Place played in shaping her life and career. At just 15 years old, she was cast as Alex Russo in the hit Disney Channel series, which ran from 2007 until its conclusion in 2012 after four seasons.
Now, over a decade later, the beloved show is getting a revival in the form of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. This new chapter centers on Justin Russo (played by David Henrie), Alex’s older brother, and his family. Gomez is set to return in several episodes, once again stepping into the role that launched her into stardom.
During a conversation on the August 7 episode of Therapuss with Jake Shane, Gomez opened up about how it feels to revisit the world of Wizards. She described the reboot as “a fresh, new perspective,” and reflected on what it means to return to a more grown-up version of her former character.
“That role really influenced the person I’ve become,” she said. “Honestly, I still feel like I am Alex.” Laughing, she added, “That’s probably something I should unpack with my therapist.”
While acknowledging the nostalgic pull of the series, Gomez admitted it goes beyond just reliving the past. “I know it’s a throwback for me, but I truly loved being part of that world,” she shared.
She also commented on the broader cultural shift, noting how things have changed since the heyday of the Disney Channel. “The channel itself doesn’t even really exist anymore. Back then, it was all my sister and my friends wanted to watch. It felt safe and familiar.”
Proudly referring to herself as a “certified Disney kid,” Gomez recalled being fully immersed in the network’s lineup growing up. “I watched Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, Suite Life—and of course, I knew every Hannah Montana song. I was completely obsessed.”
Reflecting on her early days, she said, “That show is the reason I have everything I do now. I’ll always be grateful—it’s where my journey began.”
Co-star David Henrie added that the intention behind the revival is deeply personal. “We wanted this to be a love letter to the fans,” he said, “something warm and nostalgic, while also inviting a whole new generation to join the magic.”
