Jake T. Austin, who played Max Russo in the original Wizard of Waverly Place, has finally addressed his absence from the spinoff series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. In an Instagram Stories post on August 6th, Austin expressed disappointment and revealed that he was originally approached about reprising his role back in 2020.
Actor Says He Was '100% In' But Was Never Cast
According to Austin, he was asked in 2020 if he would be interested in returning as Max Russo and said yes immediately. However, despite his enthusiasm, the show's creators ultimately chose a different direction. "Unfortunately, the powers that be decided to take the show in a different direction and my character wasn't part of the equation," he wrote.
The spinoff, which debuted on the Disney Channel and concluded its third season on August 4th, has faced criticism for sidelining original cast members. While Jennifer Stone (Harper), Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa), David DeLuise (Jerry), and Gregg Sulkin (Mason) all made guest appearances, Austin was never invited to participate in any capacity.
Max Russo's Fate in the Reboot
In the new series, it is revealed that Max became a billionaire by franchising the family sub shop, but his character never appears on screen. Fans have questioned why the youngest Russo sibling was completely written out, especially given the show's focus on family legacy.
Austin's statement also clarified that he holds no ill will toward his former co-stars. "Even though I wasn't involved, I still have nothing but love for my former castmates and wish them continued success," he said. He thanked fans for their support, adding, "The show wouldn't be what it is without your endless support."
Fan Reactions and Show Criticism
The exclusion of Austin has been a recurring point of contention among viewers. The spinoff has also been criticized for "replacing" Jennifer Stone with a Harper lookalike and for the creators defending the lack of original characters. Austin's revelation adds another layer to the ongoing debate about how the reboot handles its source material.
Despite the disappointment, Austin's message was gracious, thanking fans and wishing the cast well. The actor has not ruled out future involvement, but for now, Max Russo remains absent from the Waverly Place universe.
