David Henrie says he invited actor Jake T. Austin to participate in the Wizards of Waverly Place revival, after Austin had suggested he was not involved in production. Henrie also says Austin ultimately “turned down” multiple invitations and that Henrie “would’ve loved to have Max,” referring to Austin’s character.
According to Henrie, showrunner Scott Thomas confirms that Austin was approached repeatedly, which he contrasts with Austin’s earlier remarks about not being part of the project. Austin has been described as disappointed that he was not included, while Henrie characterizes the outcome as something that “didn’t work out” rather than a refusal from the production side.
The outlets frame the dispute around communication and timing: one report emphasizes Austin’s claim and the show’s account of reaching out several times, while the other focuses on Henrie’s explanation for why Austin ultimately did not return. Both indicate Austin expresses interest in returning to the spinoff and discusses the situation in the years since the project’s development.
