Hollywood’s most bitter celebrity divorces rarely end with both sides claiming a measure of victory, and Ioan Gruffudd’s years-long legal fight with Alice Evans proved no exception. 

After nearly four years of public accusations, courtroom clashes, and financial disputes, a judge handed down a decision that split the outcome in dramatic fashion. 

While Gruffudd secured another five years of legal protection from his ex-wife, the financial rulings largely favored Evans, leaving the “Fantastic Four” actor responsible for ongoing support payments despite his attempts to end them.

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The marathon legal dispute reached its conclusion after a nine-day hearing in Los Angeles, where both sides scored significant wins.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Ioan Gruffudd successfully convinced Judge Michael J. Convey to renew the restraining order protecting both him and his wife, Bianca Wallace, for another five years. 

The judge concluded that Evans had harassed and abused the couple, finding that her conduct caused them significant emotional distress.

However, the courtroom victory quickly gave way to disappointment when attention shifted to the financial issues dividing the former spouses.

Gruffudd argued that he had overpaid Evans by roughly $400,000 during the divorce proceedings. After examining competing reports prepared by forensic accountants for both parties, the court rejected that claim and determined the overpayment totaled just $27,000.

His attempt to eliminate spousal support also fell short. Rather than ending the payments, Judge Convey ruled that the actor must continue paying Evans ten percent of his gross income, approximately $1,862 each month, under the terms of the pair’s prenuptial agreement. 

The ruling came in addition to the $3,579 in child support the actor had already agreed to pay. The court also acknowledged that Evans has primary care of the former couple’s daughters, Ella and Elsie, “100 per cent” of the time.

Gruffudd’s Financial Claims Were Rejected Even As The Judge Questioned Evans’ Conduct

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Although Alice Evans prevailed on several major financial issues, Judge Convey was openly critical of parts of her handling of the case.

One point of contention centered on a Coutts savings account containing $168,000. While the judge ruled the money belonged solely to the actress, he also found she had failed to disclose the account in a “timely manner,” adding that the omission “impaired her credibility.”

Evans testified that the account had been depleted to cover her living expenses following the couple’s separation in early 2021 after the breakdown of their 14-year marriage.

The judge also reviewed four financial accounts belonging to Ioan Gruffudd after the actor reportedly changed his position over whether they should be considered community property. Judge Convey ultimately found the revised argument unconvincing.

Ioan Gruffudd Receives Strong Judicial Backing Over Harassment Findings

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Although Gruffudd left court without the financial ruling he wanted, the judge’s written decision strongly backed his claims that years of online harassment had taken a serious personal and professional toll.

In one of the ruling’s strongest passages, Judge Convey wrote, “First and foremost, she committed domestic violence upon Ioan and his wife, Bianca.”

Judge Convey also concluded that the consequences of Evans’ conduct extended far beyond emotional distress. 

In his written decision, he said there was “ample, persuasive and credible evidence” that her actions had a profound and lasting effect on both Gruffudd and Wallace’s emotional well-being, adding that it prevented the actor from remaining “fully and gainfully employed to the same extent as he was during the marriage.”

The judge further criticized what he viewed as Evans’ failure to make a sustained effort to stop the behavior, writing, “Another important and weighty factor was Alice’s lack of sincere and sustained effort over an extended time, to cease the abusive behaviour (she could start by staying off social media).”

Gruffudd Opens Up About The Career Fallout From Bitter Split

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The judge’s ruling marked the end of Ioan Gruffudd and Alice Evans’ lengthy legal battle, but it also echoed claims the actor had been making long before the final decision.

As the Daily Mail reported in February, Gruffudd painted a bleak picture of how the breakdown of his marriage allegedly affected every aspect of his life, insisting the fallout extended far beyond his personal relationships. 

The actor testified that he believed Evans was determined to destroy both his reputation and career, claiming she repeatedly threatened to “Amber Heard” him if he left the marriage. 

Gruffudd told the court he lived in fear that false allegations would end his career, alleging Evans called him “a child molester, a pedophile and a drug addict” and even encouraged their daughters to report him if they believed he had behaved inappropriately. 

He also claimed she threatened to accuse his now-wife, Wallace, of criminal conduct in an effort to have her deported. 

Gruffudd maintained that the years of public accusations severely damaged his professional standing, leaving him with fewer acting opportunities and a dramatic decline in income since the couple’s split. 

Ioan Gruffudd’s Attorney Blames Alice Evans For Dramatic Career Decline

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During closing arguments in the court battle in May, Gruffudd’s attorney echoed the same sentiments, arguing that the “King Arthur” actor’s financial collapse was directly tied to what he described as Evans’ years-long campaign to destroy his reputation. 

According to The Blast, attorney Joseph Langlois claimed Evans spread “false narratives” and “malicious” accusations following their 2021 split, causing Gruffudd’s annual income to fall from approximately $585,000 to just $125,000 as acting opportunities dried up. 

Langlois told the court that the allegations severely damaged Gruffudd’s standing in Hollywood, making it increasingly difficult for him to secure work and continue paying substantial spousal support. 

The attorney argued that Evans’ conduct amounted to an attempt to “ruin” her ex-husband’s career, citing years of public accusations and social media activity.

Aaron Pierre is opening up about the values that keep him grounded as his Hollywood career reaches new heights.

The actor revealed how fatherhood influences every career decision he makes, reflected on navigating his rapid rise to fame after Rebel Ridge, and shared how he’s approaching the iconic role of John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns.

With Aaron Pierre set to appear in HBO’s Lanterns, his profile is expected to rise even further following acclaimed performances in Rebel Ridge, where he portrayed former Marine Terry Richmond, along with voice roles in Mufasa: The Lion King and GOAT.

While many actors choose projects that further elevate their fame, Pierre says his decisions are guided by what will ultimately benefit his son, whose name he has chosen to keep private, as well as the child’s mother.

“If ever I accept an opportunity that takes me away from him, it needs to be something that contributes to the legacy that I am building to directly inspire my son,” the actor told GQ.

Aaron Pierre Says Family Comes Before Fame

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Pierre’s commitment to fatherhood is already reflected in his voice work on Mufasa: The Lion King and GOAT. For the latter, he even brought his son into the recording studio, where the youngster helped shape the character Mane Attraction, whom Pierre voices in the 2026 film.

“He was giving me notes—he wanted me to give variety. That character would not be what it is today without his input,” Pierre said.

Beyond putting his son first, Pierre says his loyalty remains with his family and close friends before his career.

“I am a father, a son, a brother, a grandson, a friend,” Pierre said before adding, “I’m all of those things, and then I’m an actor.”

Aaron Pierre Admits Fame Initially Overwhelmed Him

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From 2017 to 2023, Pierre appeared in a handful of stage productions, television episodes, and films.

His breakout arrived with Netflix’s 2024 hit Rebel Ridge, which attracted more than 30 million views within its first three days of release.

Reflecting on being thrust into the spotlight, Pierre said the experience “kind of went in stages.”

Initially, he isolated himself by avoiding public outings altogether. After growing tired of staying home, he began wearing disguises to avoid being recognized.

“I just didn’t know how to navigate it yet,” Pierre admitted of his sudden rise to fame.

Aaron Pierre Credits His Sister For Keeping Him Grounded

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Elsewhere in the interview, Pierre revealed he leaned on his family while adjusting to his new reality.

He invited his “emotionally intelligent” younger sister over for a conversation, and he says the discussion gave him “the toolkit” he needed to move forward.

“I needed to navigate the next chapter in my life—that was now my reality and always will be my reality,” Pierre said of the conversation following Rebel Ridge. “Even if I stopped acting today, that experience is still going to be what it is.”

He added, “There’s no training for that. It either happens or it doesn’t. And when it does, it happens with immediate effect.”

Aaron Pierre Teases His Take On Green Lantern

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Next in Pierre’s rapidly rising career is stepping into the role of one of DC’s most iconic superheroes, Green Lantern.

The actor will portray John Stewart in HBO’s upcoming series Lanterns, a project that has already generated significant anticipation among fans.

Discussing the role, Pierre said he felt a responsibility to approach the character in an “authentic, original way.” That mindset led him to work closely with the show’s creators to emphasize the human qualities behind the superhero.

“One of my favorite things about being a Green Lantern is that, yes, they’re superheroes, but they’re very relatable folks,” he said. “My hope is that people watch the series and think: if I can just figure out where to get my application in, I might be able to join the Green Lantern Corps too.”

Jeans will simply never go out of style. They’re truly a wardrobe classic, but sometimes, you just want to throw on sweatpants and call it a day. Unfortunately, certain occasions require a bit more polish than fleece-lined bottoms can offer. Enter: tailored pants.

The clean lines, flattering fit and billowy silhouette are rooted in the tailored pants style, making them sleek yet comfortable. And although they’re often associated with formal and professional attire, today’s fashion people are reinventing them with a cool-girl edge. Labels like Aritzia, Spanx and Gap are even jumping on board, so of course, I had to round up my favorite finds on the internet. Ahead, discover the coolest tailored pants, and maybe even ditch those jeans.

13 Writer-Approved Flattering Tailored Pants

1. My Favorite: If comfort is your main priority, then don’t skip these yoga-inspired dress pants, which feature a relaxed fit, cooling fabric and moisture-wicking capabilities.

2. Trending Color: These chocolate brown PrettyGarden bottoms are an instant ‘add to cart.’ I love the high waist, flowing design and soft pleating. Style them with an eyelet-trim blouse and strappy sandals for a rich mom look.

3. Under $15: Looking for a classic fit you can return to time and time again? Then secure the Pohista trousers in a versatile camel hue. The pants are currently on sale for under $15, so you can say they’re a must-buy.

4. Eye-Catching Detail: An asymmetrical waistband adds a fashion-forward element to these onyx-colored Jluxelabel pants. They’re begging to be worn with crop tops and handkerchief blouses.

5. Cool-Girl Find: Achieve the model off-duty look with the lululemon Daydrift Trousers. The slow-slung design looks effortlessly cool with a simple tank and low-profile sneakers.

6. Accessories Included: For a limited time, Nordstrom is slashing 50% off the Halogen wide-leg pants. Featuring a polished mini belt, it’s hard to say no.

7. Fan Favorite: Aritzia is one of my go-to clothing destinations for a reason, delivering timeless designs that are refined and elevated. The Effortless Pants fall right in line; they’re tailored and are made with a Japanese crepe fabric.

8. Inclusive Sizing: The Halara Flex Pants take comfort seriously with a pull-on design and two-way stretch. Choose from various inseams, including extra petite, extra tall and more.

9. Capsule Wardrobe-Approved: Picture these cream-colored wide-leg palazzo pants with a crisp white tee and elegant loafers. Need I say more?

10. Optical-Illusion Find: Don’t love the wide-leg look? Then reach for these straight-leg Lenago pants. The clean design elongates the figure while staying extremely versatile.

11. From Day to Night: Whether you’re headed to the office or happy hour, these soft, stretchy Gap trousers deliver. Wear them with a button-down shirt for a professional look, or swap it with a lace-trim cami for a sultry finish.

12. Just Trust Me: Spanx is the O.G. for a reason, delivering fan-favorite designs that stand the test of time. Secure the brand’s comfortable wide-leg pants for a style you’ll reach for again and again.

13. Instant Yes: Chic and unfussy, these Open Edit twill trousers are the definition of classy. Choose from a deep black or muted olive.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Brad Pitt is requesting that Angelina Jolie disclose financial information, including film earnings, amid the pair’s ongoing legal battle over their former French winery.

According to documents obtained by Us on Tuesday, August 4, lawyers for Pitt, 62, requested during a Friday, July 31, court hearing that Jolie, 51, provide “documents sufficient to show her income” after their 2016 split, particularly the period from 2017 to 2019.

Lawyers for Jolie, who had previously provided financial records of her earnings between 2020 and 2021, have argued that the requested financial information is not relevant to the former couple’s legal dispute over their French winery Château Miraval, which they owned together from 2008 to 2021.

Us has reached out to representatives for Pitt and Jolie for comment.

Per the documents, Pitt’s legal team is “not even seeking all of her profit statements … just seeking statements that show for films they are already in the money and she is receiving payments.”

After Jolie had previously stated during the legal battle that she had “largely put her career on hold, forgoing years of compensation in the process,” Pitt’s team argued that the disclosure of their request will put Jolie’s allegations of Pitt’s “coercion” and “economic leverage” into “context.”

In a legal response to Pitt’s request, Jolie’s team stated that “the entire basis for Pitt compelling these answers is a made-up theory that Jolie did not allege.”

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Related: Angelina Jolie Details ‘Difficult’ Brad Pitt Divorce, Demands $33K

Angelina Jolie detailed the aftermath of her split from Brad Pitt in a newly filed court declaration and explained how she left without asking for a dime in alimony in hopes that it would “calm” him, Us Weekly can exclusively report. On Monday, October 6, Jolie, 50, filed court docs as part of the never-ending […]

The response continued, “Pitt claims that Jolie has put her entire financial condition at issue going back to 2017 because of her allegation that she was seeking ‘financial independence.’ But Pitt’s selective quote misleadingly fails to include the entirety of her allegation. Jolie does not allege that she was seeking financial independence in the abstract; she alleges that she was seeking ‘financial independence from her ex-husband.’ Separating from one’s ex-husband is categorically different from an allegation that one is suffering general financial distress.”

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IMDB shows that Jolie starred in 2019’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil among other film projects between 2017 and 2021.

Related: Angelina Jolie, Lawyers ‘Gratified’ by New Ruling in Brad Pitt Court Case

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Angelina Jolie has taken a major step forward in her ongoing battle with Brad Pitt over their French winery Château Miraval, Us Weekly can exclusively confirm. A judge tentatively ruled on Monday, November 25, that Pitt, 60, must turn over documents and communications that Jolie, 49, claims will prove he covered up alleged domestic violence […]

Pitt and Jolie were together for 12 years and married from 2014 to 2016. They share six children: Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 18.

Their divorce was finalized in December 2024 while their winery dispute remains ongoing after Jolie previously claimed in a countersuit to Pitt’s initial lawsuit that no two-party consent agreement existed and that she attempted to arrange a buyout with Pitt, who allegedly refused unless she signed an NDA.

Keke Palmer is joining NBC in a brand new role!

The Nickelodeon alum has been revealed as the host of the first celebrity edition of “The Voice” with an equally iconic array of coaches to shape up everyone’s vocals and performances.

Keke Palmer has, over the years, ventured into several sectors of the entertainment industry, leaving her footprints and even walking away with awards like an Emmy in 2024 for hosting an NBC game show.

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The actress, dressed in matching pink sets, tried out her hosting voice with the viral four-step challenge on Instagram. The prompt on the video asked that the media personality repeat “This is The Voice” in a disappointed, happy, sarcastic, and flirty tone, which she aced at every point.

Most importantly, the television star confirmed the rumors that she would be the host with the most for the celebrity edition of the singing show, which also doubles as its 31st season on television. Palmer declared her excitement to see a fully packed studio with an audience waiting to be entertained.

Palmer exuded radiance in the short clip, rocking her short curly hair in shades of auburn and chestnut paired together with a softly made-up face and pearly white teeth.

The video, shared on NBC The Voice’s official Instagram page, was followed with the caption, “You already know who it is! Keke Palmer hosts The Voice Season 31 coming in 2027 on NBC.”

Palmer began her career in Hollywood as a child star and earned early fame via her role in “The Wool Cap” in 2004 before going on to appear in the equally successful “Akeelah and the Bee” in 2006.

The teen star’s good news was well received by fans in their hundreds who praised her generational run, clinching those gigs in the industry. She even earned the “KEKE KEEP A JOB PALMER!!!” title from this commenter.

Fabletics’ Instagram page did not forget to remind the actress just how excited they are for the news, as another commenter noted that Palmer and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal are one of the most booked personalities in the industry.

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Several long-time fans of the actress also promised to tune in to the show once it kicks off in 2027 simply because she would be handling the hosting microphone. “Sounds like I might tune in; I love her as a host on PASSWORD,” one Instagram user noted.

Comments like “Queen of being employed,” “There’s literally no job she can’t do,” and “Extended her record for keeping a job,” all sat under the post.

‘The Voice’ Season 31 Is Set To Be The First Celebrity Edition In The History Of The Franchise

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As shared by Variety, NBC revealed on Tuesday, August 4, that production will start very soon with eyes set on a date in 2027 to air the show. Palmer will host, while a packed team including Queen Latifah, Joe Jonas and Riley Green will coach the contestants.

While celebrity appearances are not alien to earlier seasons of the show, this will be the first time anywhere in the world that a season will be solely dedicated to celebrity contestants.

Various personalities across all sectors will fight for the bragging rights of “The Voice” winner, including actors, influencers, comedians, reality TV stars, athletes, and many more.

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It will not be Palmer’s first rodeo as a host for TV shows, including NBC, as she currently handles the game show “Password.” The media guru is also the star of Peacock’s “The ‘Burbs” and has previously served as a guest mentor on “American Idol.”

The 32-Year-Old Broke A Daytime Emmy Record In 2024

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Palmer, two years ago, broke the glass ceiling in the Primetime Emmy universe when she became the first woman in nearly two decades to win an Emmy for hosting a game show. Deadline noted that she took the Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for “Password.”

She wrestled with four men in the category, including Steve Harvey, Pat Sajak, Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik, to win the title, becoming the first Black woman to be nominated in the category and even win it. It was also the first time in 50 years that the NBC show had been nominated or won in that category.

Palmer got to add that Emmy to the one she won in 2021 for the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series category courtesy of her role in “Turnt Up With The Taylors.”

Palmer’s NBC show has Jimmy Fallon at the wheel as an executive producer, and he duly earned his flowers in the actress’ acceptance speech at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

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“I’m really just so thankful; I’m almost speechless. I want to thank the people who allowed this to happen, thank you to Jimmy Fallon, thanks to NBC,” Palmer declared in 2024.

Keke Palmer Highlighted Her Hollywood Legacy In Clapback Response Against Colorism

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In 2022, an internet conversation erupted following Palmer’s performance in “Nope,” a box office flick directed by Jordan Peele. As noted by BET, some social media users had claimed that it was Palmer’s breakout role, a statement the media personality strongly refuted by stating facts about her Hollywood journey.

In the rebuttal, Palmer stated that colorism fueled the reasoning behind comparing her to anyone, adding that attempting to reduce her decades of success to a single film overlooked her long list of artistic achievements.

Palmer duly informed the public that she has achieved several milestones in her career, including becoming the youngest talk show host. Her resume also has her as the first Black woman to lead her own Nickelodeon series, and the youngest and first Black actress to play Cinderella on Broadway.

The TV star, who insisted she was an incomparable talent, reminded naysayers that she has been a leading actress since age 11 with over 100 acting credits to her name. She noted that the release and success of “Nope” have only extended the long list of her accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

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Peter Parker’s great love has always been Mary Jane Watson. Even Spider-Man: Brand New Day highlights the pain of them not being together with Peter (Tom Holland) struggling in a world where MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) do not remember their former friend. But it is often a classic tale of male superhero’s love interest when it comes to MJ’s comic storylines. She isn’t always the center of the story but a new comic run allows Mary Jane Watson the time to shine.

In Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1, fans get to see MJ as we rarely get to see her. There have, in the past, been comic runs and storylines with MJ as the main character, but for the most part, she’s a supporting player in Peter Parker’s life. Now, Peter gets sidelined for MJ to have her moment. Coming face to face with Chameleon, hanging with her own symbiote, taking on Haze, and more, the issue puts MJ in a series of comics from all different artists who really understand what makes Mary Jane Watson so captivating.

The stories within Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1 include “Faces in the Crowd” by J.M. DeMatteis with art by Andrew Broccardo. The story centers around Mary Jane coming to terms with the fact that Chameleon came into their home and pretended to be Peter and what that means for her relationship moving forward. In “Vamp #9,” by Ann Nocenti, MJ is on set as a zombie/vampire on a movie when she has to be the hero Peter often is. With art by Alina Yerofieieva, it is a return to MJ’s acting roots! We round out the issue with Ashley Allen‘s “Redux” with art by Phil Noto that features MJ and Haze back in action together. But one issue in particular brings us back to MJ’s first appearance in Peter Parker’s world.

Including a Heartbreaking Use of Her First Ever Appearance

In Soft Words at Sunset, we get to see Mary Jane Watson at a very different time in her life. Detailing her life with Peter Parker, the comic takes us back to their first introduction. Mary Jane was first introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #42 in November of 1966. She sees Peter, and one of the first things she ever said to him is “Face it, tiger…you just hit the jackpot!” The new comic, written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Luigi Zagaria, fans get to see Mary Jane as the center of her own story. This time, exploring her grief and love for Peter Parker while doing it.

Soft Words at Sunset is a beautiful exploration of how dedicated Peter Parker and MJ have always been to each other. She understood what it meant for him to be a superhero, and she understood that he was never going to stop. And Stracynski uses MJ’s first line in comic history in a breathtaking and heartbreaking way.

You can celebrate Mary Jane Watson by watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day and purchasing Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1, out now.

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Release Date

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July 31, 2026

Runtime

145 Minutes

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Director

Destin Daniel Cretton

Writers

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Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, Stan Lee

Producers

Amy Pascal, Kevin Feige, Rachel O’Connor, Avi Arad

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  Spider-Man / Peter Parker

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More than a decade after saying goodbye to Wizards of Waverly Place, Gregg Sulkin was more than ready to step back into one of his most beloved roles — but his return wasn’t exactly what fans were expecting.

Warning: Major spoilers below for the final season of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. 

The actor, 34, reprised his role as fan-favorite werewolf Mason Greyback in the four-part Wizards Beyond Waverly Place finale, which aired on Disney Channel Tuesday, August 4. But the highly anticipated comeback came with a twist few saw coming: Alex Russo’s (Selena Gomez) first love died sometime before the events of the sequel series.

While the revelation surely came as a shock to viewers, Sulkin approached Mason’s fate the same way he would any other role — by trusting the creative team to deliver the best story possible.

“For me, I focus on what I think every actor does: on the script and turning the scene into the best it possibly can be,” Sulkin exclusively told Us ahead of the series finale. “The rest I left up to the writers. The writers are very capable, very talented. I think the Disney brand is one of the most successful in the world for a reason. And so, when they come up with story lines or when they go into specific directions with characters for many different reasons, it’s one of those where I just put my hands up, respect the decision, and then do my best with that.”

The original Wizards of Waverly Place aired from 2007 to 2012, with Sulkin joining in season 3 as Mason, the witty werewolf who quickly became Alex’s most popular boyfriend. More than a decade later, the Disney Channel franchise returned with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, bringing back several familiar faces while introducing a new generation of young wizards.

The four-part finale followed teen wizard Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) as she searched for Alex after discovering the pair are mother and daughter. Trapped in an alternate universe with amnesia, Alex reunited with her best friend Harper (Jennifer Stone) and Mason.

At first, it appeared Mason and Alex had found their way back to each other, with the werewolf even preparing to propose. But Alex eventually regained her memories and realized the life she was seeing couldn’t be real — because Mason had already died.

Although Sulkin fully trusted the creative team with Mason’s fate, the actor did have a few ideas of his own when bringing the character back.

“There were certain callbacks that I wanted to make, and there were certain things that I thought the fans would appreciate if they heard out of my mouth,” Sulkin said with a smile. “A couple of line changes and a few little Easter eggs for the original fans. It definitely was a collaborative experience and a collaborative effort.”

Related: David Henrie Reflects on His and Selena Gomez’s ‘Meaningful’ TV Reunion

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Alex and Justin Russo are officially back on the small screen. Selena Gomez reunited with her onscreen older brother David Henrie during the series premiere of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. The series — the first two episodes of which premiered on Disney Channel on Tuesday, October 29 — picks up with an older (and powerless) […]

Sulkin also clarified that while Mason is gone at the moment, he may not be gone forever.

“That’s not to say that there cannot be a spinoff in the future of potentially a prequel of all the years leading up to [his death],” Sulkin teased. “So, you know, I wouldn’t say Mason is [totally gone]. I mean, he’s dead for now.”

Whatever the future may hold, saying yes to a Wizards return was never really in doubt for Sulkin.

“I was really happy to be part of the original show. I mean, the original show meant so much to me,” he told Us. “It opened up so many opportunities, so many doors, and it was a show that I was always grateful for.”

While he knew the revival was in the works before it was publicly announced, Sulkin says he always felt his return needed to happen organically.

“I always knew that they wanted me to come back. I think it was just a matter of finding the perfect moment, the perfect time, the perfect storyline,” he explained. “Also, respecting the old characters, respecting the original show, but also giving space for this new show to breathe.”

Ultimately, returning allowed him the chance to thank everyone who helped shape those formative years of his career.

“It was an opportunity for me to say thank you to all the fans that supported me on the original show,” Sulkin continued, adding, “It was an opportunity to close a very beautiful chapter in my life. … And also to say thank you to the crew for being such an amazing support system at a very pivotal point in my own personal life.”

Despite the years between projects, stepping back into Mason’s shoes — and being back opposite Gomez — came naturally. “I think it took me about three seconds,” Sulkin joked. “It was a really surreal experience. It took Selena and me simply looking at each other on set and it was like, ‘OK, we’re back.”

Sulkin wasn’t even dismayed by the short amount of prep time before filming. “I can prep this all day long, but the feelings that I feel once I go back to set, working with Selena, working with Jen, it’s going to sort of all go out the window because there are so many emotions,” he said.

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Related: ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Selena Gomez scored her breakout role playing teenage wizard Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. The series, which ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012, followed Alex and her brothers, Justin and Max, played by David Henrie and Jake T. Austin, as they learned the ins and outs of the wizard […]

“I think some things in life you can’t force, and I think Selena and I’s professional chemistry since the start of the show was so strong that, and so natural that I felt that I just felt at ease,” he added of his special dynamic with Gomez, 33. “To come back many years later, nothing really had changed. Maybe I had a few more lines on my forehead, but apart from that, it was pretty much the same.”

Although Alex ultimately moved on from Mason, Sulkin doesn’t believe their love story ever truly ended — and urged viewers who may be disappointed to do the same.

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“When you say Mason and Alex didn’t end up together, yes, in a way they didn’t,” he told Us. “But I do believe that, in Mason’s heart, anyway, they did in a way. Because I think there is so much love between them.”

“Whether or not they ended up with different partners and went on different approaches, I think the love that they have for each other is so deep and so real,” Sulkin added. “I couldn’t say that they didn’t end up together because I think in their heart they will always hold on to each other deep down.”

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is streaming on Disney+ now.

The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place series finale went out with a bang — and the episode wouldn’t have felt right without the return of OG star Jennifer Stone.

Warning: Spoilers below from the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place series finale.

“I had kind of mourned the fact that I was not going to be a part of the reboot just because you know I talked to David Henrie [who plays Justin Russo]. It’s about a totally different family,” Stone, 33, exclusively told Us ahead of the Tuesday, August 4, finale. “Like Selena [Gomez] kind of pops in and out, and so [David was] like, ‘It doesn’t really make sense for you to come in.’”

The actress, who portrayed Alex Russo’s (Gomez) BFF Harper Finkle on Wizards of Waverly Place from 2007 to 2012, had come to terms with the fact that there wasn’t a place for her in the highly anticipated spinoff— but that all changed when she was asked to appear in the finale.

“I’m just really protective of her,” Stone told Us of her character and the only “hesitation” she felt personally when approached with the possibility of returning for one, very special episode. “I just wanted to be really sensitive of, like, she’s not the butt of a joke. We’re not making fun of her. Like she’s very confident and self assured.”

She noted that during the episode, fans see Harper back in action and fully herself, which ultimately made the decision to return an easy one.

“I just wanted to honor the character that I grew up with and loved so much,” Stone added.

Related: ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

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Selena Gomez scored her breakout role playing teenage wizard Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. The series, which ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012, followed Alex and her brothers, Justin and Max, played by David Henrie and Jake T. Austin, as they learned the ins and outs of the wizard […]

During the four-part finale, teen wizard Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) was on the search for Alex after learning that the pair are mother and daughter. Alex, meanwhile, was trapped in an alternate universe with amnesia, where she reunited with Harper, now her roommate, and her first love Mason Greyback (Gregg Sulkin).

While fans initially thought that Alex and Mason were happily back together, when Alex regained her memories she realized that Mason had already died prior to the events of the sequel series. (Harper, for her part, told Alex that they should look each other up back in the real world, hinting their friendship would be rekindled down the line.)

Despite Alex’s heartbreak on screen, Stone told Us that her reunion with Gomez, 34, behind the scenes and then working side by side was like a dream come true.

“I was a mess. The waterproof mascara ran amok,” Stone recalled of watching Gomez step behind the camera for the pivotal episode. “Literally, the table read, I cried getting to see her direct. I cried. I was a mess.”

She remembered checking in with Gomez before filming and telling each other, “OK, this is probably it. This is probably the last time we’re ever gonna play Alex and Harper with each other.”

Stone added that it was “this beautiful thing of saying goodbye to these characters” while also celebrating how her and Gomez’s lives have grown and changed since they first met.

Related: Alex Russo Was Bisexual on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ Showrunner Says

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The couple that almost was. Selena Gomez could have had a groundbreaking relationship on Wizards of Waverly Place. Former showrunner and writer Peter Murrieta revealed on the Monday, March 27, episode of Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise’s “Wizards of Waverly Pod” that the show’s writers intended for Gomez’s character, Alex Russo, to have a romantic […]

“I find it really poetic that we said goodbye to these characters as Jen and Selena, but … we’re still going to meet in each other’s lives,” she added. “We’re still [going to] live on you past what’s on camera.”

When it comes to how Harper’s story ended, Stone told Us that there was a lot left unsaid, so she has her own ideas as to where she is now — and will be in the future.

“I picture her because she’s so giving and sweet, and loves to nurture. I think that I can see her being like a teacher at Parsons in New York,” Stone shared. “I think she’s some kind of fashion teacher. That or she has to have her own fashion line.”

Stone explained that she’s not sure whether Harper would be married to Zeke Beakerman (Dan Benson), her high school sweetheart, since there’s a big “dating pool” in New York.

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“I do think she probably calls him every now and then for the Velociraptor dance,” she said with a laugh and before telling Us that perhaps Harper is now bisexual.

Stone said a shift in Harper’s sexuality is “something that I can definitely see because, I mean, Harper’s so open and creative and I can just see her loving the person.”

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is streaming on Disney+ now.