David Henrie Claps Back At ‘Wizards’ Co-Star

There’s more madness in the wizarding world, considering David Henrie recently clapped back at his former co-star, Jake T. Austin, denying the claims that the latter wasn’t invited to participate in the “Wizards of Waverly Place” reboot.

Henrie, who led the reboot dubbed “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” has been in the hot seat over the last few days, as OG fans of the series are criticizing him and blaming him for ruining the original sitcom after Disney announced the sequel had officially run its course.

On Instagram, Henrie, who starred as Justin in the original series and the reboot, posted a screenshot of his conversation with a fan. In the messages, the fan blasted him for allegedly failing to include Max (Austin) in the rebooted series.

“I woulda loved to have Max back, but sadly he didn’t accept our numerous offers to join the new show,” Henrie replied to the fan. “We called him, texted, went through agents, etc.”

Henrie went on to say that it was a goal of his to introduce Max to the “new generation of millions of kids” before saying he respected his former co-star’s decision to stay away. “I wish him all the best,” Henrie added.

Henrie Says He Was ‘Heartbroken’ That Austin Didn’t Want To Join The ‘Wizards’ Reboot

In another message that’s been shared online, Henrie told a fan that he was truly “heartbroken” that Austin allegedly didn’t accept the call to be part of the rebooted series, which also included Selena Gomez, Jennifer Stone, and David DeLuise.

“We invited him many, many, many times to come back,” Henrie stated. “Wished he would’ve accepted. We had a beautiful plot for Max’s return all mapped out. In fact, we built the entire second season around his return and were gutted that he didn’t accept.”

One Of The Showrunners Chimed In

Scott Thomas, one of the production’s showrunners, jumped on X to confirm Henrie’s version of events, saying Austin was asked “multiple times by many people” and allegedly failed to respond.

“Really wanted him back,” Thomas added. “No response. Also asked David D. to return for the finale. He passed.”

Austin Said He Was ‘Disappointed’ He Was Left Out Of The ‘Wizards’ Sequel

Henrie’s recent posts came one day after Austin slammed the 37-year-old on Instagram and said he was upset that he was the only original Russo family member to be excluded from the show.

“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories, according to The Blast. “Even though I wasn’t involved, I still have nothing but love for my former castmates and wish them continued success. Thank you to all the fans who watched over the years. The show wouldn’t be what it is without your endless support.”

More Cast Members Express Their Annoyance With The Direction The Show Was Taken

And Austin wasn’t the only cast member with something to say. Replying to an interview with Gomez, DeLuise, who played the Russos’ father, said that the show failed due to the many changes.

“It would not be over the OG wizards were really there,” DeLuise commented. “Missed opportunity.”

Dan Benson, who played Zeke in the original sitcom, also expressed his disappointment and slammed Henrie for seemingly trying to make the series all about him.

“It’s just heartbreaking because there was so much potential for a Wizards reboot and it turned into the failed David Henrie show,” Benson posted. “People say I’m just bitter I didn’t get invited back, but I’m actually just sad for the fans. WoWP changed my life forever; I’ll always be grateful.”

During another interview, Stone, who rose to fame as the beloved Harper, also implied that the OG characters were limited due to Henrie’s involvement.

“When Wizards Beyond first came out, I had a conversation with David, and he was kind of like, ‘Hey, if it makes sense down the line, maybe you’ll be on for an episode,’” Stone said. However, Henrie had a change of heart and included her in the series finale. “I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call to come back,” she added.