Interview: “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” Star Janice Brown on the Show’s Magic On and Off Screen

As Wizards Beyond Waverly Place nears the end of its first season, we had the chance to sit down with Janice LeAnn Brown, who plays Billie, to reflect on her journey with the show. From the excitement of working alongside Wizards of Waverly Place veterans David Henrie and Selena Gomez to forming real-life sibling bonds with her castmates, Janice opens up about the magic—both on and off-screen. She also shares what she hopes audiences take away from the series and teases what’s to come in the highly anticipated finale.

Benji: What's it like to look back on this journey you've been on with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?

Janice LeAnn Brown: It's so many emotions all at once. I'm very proud of my growth. I'm also kind of sad because I feel like it went by so fast. It made me appreciate time a little bit more. Don't take advantage of time because these days are going by so quickly. I feel like literally two months ago, we were filming the pilot, and now we're already done. But in reality, we were filming for like eight or seven months, but it didn't feel like that. That was probably because I was having so much fun on set and everything. There was so much laughter every single day—there wasn't a day that went by without constant laughter on set. The environment was just so great. So I'm definitely very happy that we get to showcase that type of love on screen, and everyone can see it.

Benji: A unique opportunity on this show is that you get to work with actors who went through a similar experience, David Henrie and Selena Gomez starred in the original Wizards of Waverly Place. What's it like to be able to have someone on set every day who has been in your shoes?

Janice LeAnn Brown: I feel so privileged because since they've been through it already, they kind of know pretty much every feeling that we may be experiencing—whether it's about our acting or the show in general. They’ve already gone through it, so it’s easy for them to give advice. They just know exactly the right thing to say. It's so funny because I feel like they're constantly still in a sitcom because it'll be all wholesome and everything, and then they'll hit us with little jokes, so we can have a laugh as well. The environment is just so positive. And then, even with Miss Selena, she truly is her character—she's so iconic off and on screen, and she's just the sweetest. She always calls us her "little lovelies" and everything. She's so sweet. And then Mr. David—he's so much fun.

Benji: One of the themes of the show is Billie finding her family with the Russos. Oftentimes, casts become a found family as well. What's it like being able to work and meet these new people that you will be intertwined with forever?

Janice LeAnn Brown: It's crazy, really, because I always wanted a little brother, a sister, and a big brother. I have a big brother, but he's grown, so I wanted more siblings. Obviously, I'm not getting that biologically, but it truly felt God-given in a way. Especially Max [Matenko, Milo]—he truly is that little brother that you’d wish for. He’s so much fun. Anytime I say, "Hey, you want to play Roblox?" it's always, "Yes, yes, we're gonna play Roblox!" We have so much fun. And then with Taylor [Cora, Winter], I truly feel like I have a sister—if I’m doing something wrong, she holds me accountable for it in love. And then with Alkaio [Thiele, Roman], he's just a goofball. I love him. I learn so much from him—he's so smart. Honestly, all of them are so smart, and I feel like I learn from them every single day. They're just truly the best, and I always say they're literally my siblings. Sometimes we fight like siblings, too—like over the stupidest things, like, "No, you're supposed to heat these noodles up for three minutes!" "No, you're supposed to heat it up for one minute!" It's just so much fun to work with them. And then also with Mr. David and Miss Mimi [Gianopulos, Giada], it's truly like a family. I'm just super glad that we get to showcase that type of family bond on screen.

Benji: Another way that the show isn't like your typical sitcom is the magic and special effects. What's it been like to play in that world with Floogies and every other crazy thing you're dealing with?

Janice LeAnn Brown: It's been so much fun. When we were doing the Floogie, we actually got to see it in real life—it wasn't just special effects. But sometimes, it is just special effects. Honestly, in my opinion, the most fun part is when we don’t get to see it, mainly because we have to use our imagination. There will be times when we have to pause and leave space for the magic effects to be added later. That awkward silence, with us looking at each other trying not to burst out laughing, is just the best part. I think the magic element makes filming even more creative and exciting.

Benji: Do you do things in your personal life that show you're as big of a Halloween fan as Billie is—trying to avoid the whole pumpkin belly situation?

Janice LeAnn Brown: You know, I kind of am! The main reason I love Halloween is because I enjoy sitting down with a nice, fall-scented apple spice or caramel candle burning in my room while watching Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and all the scary movies. I also love hearing kids in my neighborhood having fun, screaming, and laughing. It’s so great seeing how creative people can get with their costumes. But I wouldn’t say I’m as die-hard as Billie. I’m more of a die-hard fan for Thanksgiving because of the food!

Benji: You’ve gotten rave reviews for your role as Billie, and we hope more is coming down the road. Looking back now, what do you hope people take away from the series?

Janice LeAnn Brown: I hope that this show serves as reassurance for some people. I think a lot of people struggle with feeling alone or feeling like they have to deal with things by themselves, even when they have people around them. Some people push others away because they’re afraid of being a burden. I hope this show can be a love letter to those people—letting them know they’re not alone. I hope that if someone is going through something, they can sit down, forget about their worries for a little while, and just laugh. I hope it reminds them that there’s good in the world and that everyone deserves a happy ending.

Benji: Well, that’s great. Congratulations. We can’t wait to see it. It’s been a privilege to watch you on this journey.

With Wizards Beyond Waverly Place quickly becoming a fan-favorite, it’s clear that Janice LeAnn Brown’s portrayal of Billie has resonated with audiences. As she looks ahead to what’s next, one thing is certain—her journey with the Russo family is just beginning. Whether it’s through magical spells, sibling-like castmates, or the lessons woven into the show, Janice’s passion for storytelling shines through. As fans eagerly await the season finale, they can take comfort in her message: everyone deserves a happy ending.

Season 1 of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place concludes this Friday, February 28th, on Disney+.