Wizards Beyond Waverly Place‘s Janice LeAnn Brown Dishes on the Magic of Season 2
The first season of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on the Disney Channel had us falling in love with the magical Russo family all over again, especially as they welcomed the powerful young wizard, Billie, into the family for training.
With Season 2, things have been heating up even more as Russo boys Roman and Milo have developed their own powers, disrupting Billie's place in the family. Now, Justin's teaching three budding wizards for the Family Wizard Competition, with unexpected dangers arising to throw yet another wrench in their plans. And as of today, Oct. 8, fans can catch all episodes of Season 2 on Disney+.
Actress Janice LeAnn Brown, who plays Billie, has quickly established herself as one of Disney's most exciting rising stars, and we've loved seeing her role evolve even further this season. We got to hop on a Zoom call with Janice, as well as Vampirina: Teenage Vampire star Kenzi Richardson, to discuss the series and what to expect this season—including the exciting Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and Vampirina crossover episode. Read our full interview with Janice below (and stay tuned for next week's interview with Kenzi!).
Sweety High: Can you tell us a little bit about your history acting? When did you first become interested in the craft and realize it was what you wanted to do with your life?
Janice Leann brown: So, my brother is an actor. I actually got inspired by him.
I would see him go to acting classes all the time and put in the work. I'd hear him in the bathroom practicing his scripts. He's have this dramatic music on in the background to get into it. I don't know why, but something about that made me realize I wanted to do that, too.
When I was about 4, my mom put me in acting classes. I got an agent and I just fell in love with it, and I have ever since. I never felt like I was just myself.
I felt like I was just breathing anytime I was on set or I was acting. It just felt like home, and I always feel my happiest when I'm acting and on set. I just feel like I'm floating, and I hope that I can continue to do this for as long as possible. It's the love of my life.
(Photo credit: Disney/Lara Solanki)
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SH: You play Billie in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. What has it been like to step into the magical world of that character and act alongside its famous cast?
Janice: It was literally mind-blowing to me because I used to watch the show and the movies with my cousin. We were obsessed with Wizards of Waverly Place. When I heard that I got the role, I was like, "You sure you're calling the right girl?" It was definitely crazy. But when I walked onto the set, everyone was so incredibly kind and it just automatically felt like a family. I love my cast to death. We have disagreements, like siblings. We we love like siblings. I just love them so much and I really, really enjoy playing Billie because I feel like she helps me with my confidence. I learn a lot from her and she learns a lot from me. I feel really connected to it.
(Photo credit: Disney/Jessica Perez)
SH: We're also getting an exciting crossover this year. Is there anything you can share about what's to come, and how the worlds Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and Vampirina: Teenage Vampire are coming together?
Kenzi Richardson: Get ready for a new iconic double-trouble duo!
Janice: We're coming for your screens, man.
Kenzi: This is gonna be so much fun. I know we made one video that was like…
Kenzi and Janice: "You're not seeing double. Everyone loves us! You're seeing trouble!"
Kenzi: And that is like the perfect description of Vee and Billie, because they're gonna get into some mischief.
Janice: We are, for sure.
Kenzi: And they're gonna be having a lot of fun.
Janice: So I'm really excited for you guys to see what we have.
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SH: What's been your most memorable moment on set this season?
Janice: Probably when we were filming the finale. It was a pretty big finale that our amazing writer Scott Thomas had written, and it was just jaw-dropping. To be able to act it out was just insane. You just felt that real emotion. It was such a magical moment for me to film and I felt so insanely connected to that scene. It's so beautiful and I'm so excited for everyone to see it.
(Photo credit: Disney/Lara Solanki)
For more on our favorite Disney Channel stars, click HERE to read our interview with Electric Bloom's Nate Buescher.