Jake T. Austin isn't returning as Max Russo because he wasn't invited back, and he’s making sure everyone knows he’s not thrilled about it. While the rest of the Russo family is gearing up for the 2026 revival, the youngest sibling is officially on the outside looking in, marking a public and somewhat messy end to the "we’re all a big family" Disney narrative.
TL;DR: Jake T. Austin, the original Max Russo, will not appear in the upcoming Wizards of Waverly Place spinoff, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. His public disappointment highlights the often-uncomfortable transition from child stardom to adult acting. For parents, it’s a clear example of how the "Disney magic" doesn't always translate to long-term career stability. If your kid is looking for more sibling dynamics that actually stick together, check out our best shows for kids list.
When the news dropped that Selena Gomez and David Henrie were executive producing and starring in a new Wizards project, the internet immediately looked for the third sibling. Based on the trailers and production updates for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, it’s clear the story is moving on without Max. Austin hasn't been shy about his feelings, taking to social media to express his disappointment at being left out of the series finale and the new chapter.
It’s a blunt reminder that Hollywood is a business first. While fans see a beloved character, the studio sees contracts, casting choices, and "creative directions" that don't always include the original roster. For a kid who grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, seeing a family reunion that’s missing a limb can be a bit of a reality check.
Austin’s career after the wand went into storage has been the definition of "it's complicated." He successfully pivoted to The Fosters as Jesus Adams Foster, but that ended abruptly when he was recast after two seasons. Since then, his credits have been a mix of voice work—like Go, Diego, Go! and Rio—and smaller indie projects that haven't quite captured the same lightning in a bottle as his Disney days.
The "snub" in 2026 isn't just about one show; it's the culmination of a decade of trying to find a footing in an industry that often freezes child actors in time. When a show like Wizards comes back, it’s a massive opportunity for a career reset. Being excluded from that isn't just a bummer for fans; it’s a significant professional blow that Austin is processing very publicly.
Most kids see fame as a straight line: you get on a show, you become a star, and you stay a star. Jake T. Austin’s current situation is a perfect entry point for a conversation about the reality of work, even in a "dream" job like acting.
- The "Work" of acting: It’s worth pointing out that being an actor is a job. Sometimes you get laid off, sometimes you aren't asked back for the sequel, and sometimes your coworkers move on without you. It de-glamorizes the industry in a way that’s actually healthy.
- Managing disappointment: Austin being vocal about his disappointment is a rare moment of celebrity vulnerability. You can talk about whether he’s handling it well or if "taking it to Instagram" is the move when you feel slighted by a former employer.
- The pivot: Discuss how he’s used his voice—literally—in shows like Go, Diego, Go!. It shows that even if the "big" live-action roles aren't hitting, there are other ways to use your skills.
The "drama" here is mostly professional. There aren't "content warnings" for a career trajectory, but if your kid follows Austin on social media, they’re going to see a lot of "industry talk" and potentially some bitterness. It’s not "brain rot" content, but it is definitely "adult reality" content. If they’re bummed about Max missing from the new show, remind them that the original Wizards of Waverly Place is still there, and the characters they love haven't changed, even if the actors have.
Q: Is Jake T. Austin in the new Wizards of Waverly Place spinoff? No. As of August 2026, Jake T. Austin is not part of the cast for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. He has publicly expressed his disappointment about being excluded from the production.
Q: Why was Jake T. Austin recast in The Fosters? Austin left The Fosters after the second season. While there were rumors about him wanting a bigger role or leaving for other projects, the role of Jesus was eventually taken over by Noah Centineo.
Q: What else has Jake T. Austin been in besides Wizards? He was the voice of Diego in Go, Diego, Go!, voiced Fernando in Rio, and starred in the first two seasons of The Fosters. He also had a stint on Dancing with the Stars.
Q: Will Max Russo ever come back to the Wizards franchise? While he isn't in the initial revival, the door is rarely permanently closed in Hollywood. However, given the public nature of the current "snub," a return seems unlikely in the near future.
Jake T. Austin’s absence from the Wizards revival is a bummer for nostalgia seekers, but it’s a masterclass in the "business" of show business. It’s a reminder that child stardom doesn't guarantee an adult seat at the table. If your kid is looking for more magic and less industry drama, stick to the classics on our best shows for kids list.
