Selena Gomez is making headlines with her highly anticipated return to the beloved Disney Channel show, Wizards of Waverly Place. This upcoming spinoff sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, is set to tie a significant record for Gomez, matching the number of franchise appearances she has made in the $1.3 billion Hotel Transylvania series. Here’s a closer look at Gomez’s journey from Disney star to a major Hollywood actress and producer.

Selena Gomez first captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her portrayal of Alex Russo in the original Wizards of Waverly Place series, which aired from 2007 to 2012. The show followed the adventures of the Russo family, who were secretly wizards living in New York City. Gomez’s character, Alex, was a mischievous yet talented young witch navigating the challenges of adolescence while mastering her magical abilities. The series became one of the longest-running and most beloved shows on the Disney Channel, spanning five years and 106 episodes.

In Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, fans can look forward to seeing Gomez reunite with original cast members David Henrie (Justin Russo), David DeLuise (Jerry Russo), and Maria Canals Barrera (Theresa Russo). This new series promises to bring back the magical charm and family dynamics that made the original show a hit. Not only is Gomez reprising her role as Alex, but she is also taking on the role of executive producer, demonstrating her deep commitment to the franchise.

With her return to Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena Gomez ties a significant record in her career. She has now appeared in four installments of both the Wizards of Waverly Place and Hotel Transylvania franchises. This achievement highlights Gomez’s versatility and enduring popularity in both live-action and animated roles.

The Wizards of Waverly Place franchise extended beyond the original series with successful spin-offs and special episodes. The 2009 made-for-television film, Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, was a massive hit, drawing 13.5 million viewers. Following this, the post-series special, The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex, attracted 5.9 million viewers, cementing the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Parallel to her success with Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena Gomez has been a key figure in the Hotel Transylvania franchise. Voicing the character of Mavis, the teenage vampire daughter of Dracula, Gomez brought charm and humor to the role. The franchise kicked off with a bang, with the first film grossing $378.1 million worldwide on an $85 million budget.

The success of the initial film led to three sequels: Hotel Transylvania 2, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, and Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania. Collectively, these films have earned over $1.3 billion globally, making it one of the most profitable animated franchises. Gomez’s role in these films has been pivotal, contributing to their massive success.

Both Wizards of Waverly Place and Hotel Transylvania share themes of family and the supernatural, which have been central to Gomez’s appeal. In Wizards of Waverly Place, the Russo siblings balance their magical heritage with everyday life, facing challenges that resonate with young audiences. Similarly, in Hotel Transylvania, Mavis navigates her vampire identity while embracing human relationships, particularly with her human husband, Johnny.

These franchises resonate with fans due to their ability to blend magical elements with relatable family dynamics. Gomez’s characters in both series face the challenge of straddling two worlds—be it the human and wizarding worlds or the vampire and human realms. This duality adds depth to her roles and enhances the storytelling, making both franchises beloved by audiences of all ages.

Selena Gomez’s journey from a Disney Channel star to a leading figure in Hollywood is a testament to her talent and versatility. She has seamlessly transitioned from her early days on Wizards of Waverly Place to producing and starring in major film franchises. Her ability to engage with diverse roles and genres has solidified her status as a multi-faceted entertainer.

In addition to her acting prowess, Gomez has taken on significant behind-the-scenes roles. As an executive producer for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, she is deeply involved in the creative process, ensuring that the new series stays true to its roots while appealing to a new generation of fans. This move showcases her growth and influence in the entertainment industry.

As Selena Gomez returns to Wizards of Waverly Place, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of Alex Russo’s magical adventures. This new series promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storylines, captivating both longtime fans and new viewers. Additionally, Gomez’s involvement as an executive producer hints at exciting developments and creative innovations.

Gomez’s enduring connection to both the Wizards of Waverly Place and Hotel Transylvania franchises underscores her ability to create lasting legacies in family-friendly entertainment. Her characters’ journeys resonate with audiences, highlighting themes of identity, family, and the supernatural.

With her impressive track record and ongoing projects, Selena Gomez continues to expand her horizons in the entertainment industry. Her ability to balance acting, producing, and voice work sets her apart as a dynamic and influential figure. As she continues to take on new challenges, fans can look forward to seeing more of her innovative contributions to film and television.

Selena Gomez’s return to Wizards of Waverly Place not only ties a record with her appearances in the Hotel Transylvania franchise but also reinforces her status as a beloved actress and producer. Her ability to bring magic to the screen, whether through live-action or animation, has captivated audiences for over a decade. As she continues to embrace new opportunities and revisit cherished roles, Gomez’s legacy of family-friendly, supernatural entertainment remains stronger than ever. Fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter in her illustrious career.