Jennifer Stone Discusses Wizards Return and Harper’s Future
The Wizards Beyond Waverly Place series finale concluded with an incredible twist, making the return of original star Jennifer Stone essential to the episode’s success.
Note: Spoilers ahead from the series finale of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
“I had kind of mourned the fact that I wasn’t going to be a part of the reboot just because I spoke with David Henrie [who portrays Justin Russo]. It’s centered around a completely different family,” Stone, 33, shared exclusively with Us prior to the finale on Tuesday, August 4. “Selena [Gomez] makes a few appearances, and so [David mentioned], ‘It doesn’t really make sense for you to join.’”
The actress, who played Alex Russo’s (Gomez) best friend Harper Finkle on Wizards of Waverly Place from 2007 to 2012, had accepted there wasn’t a role for her in the highly anticipated spinoff— but everything changed when she was invited to appear in the finale.
Jennifer Stone on ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.’ Disney/Eric McCandless
“I’m quite protective of her,” Stone remarked to Us about her character and her only “hesitation” when initially approached about returning for this special episode. “I wanted to ensure that she wasn’t the punchline of a joke. We’re not poking fun at her. She’s very confident and self-assured.”
She added that during the episode, fans witness Harper back in action, fully embracing her personality, which made the choice to return a straightforward one.
“I just aimed to honor the character that I grew up with and cherished,” Stone expressed.
In the four-part finale, teen wizard Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) searches for Alex after discovering they are mother and daughter. Meanwhile, Alex finds herself trapped in an alternate universe, suffering from amnesia, where she reunites with Harper, now her roommate, and her first love Mason Greyback (Gregg Sulkin).
Though fans initially believed Alex and Mason were back together for good, Alex’s regained memories revealed that Mason had passed away prior to the events of the sequel series. (Harper even suggested that they should reconnect in the real world, hinting at a rekindled friendship.)
Despite the heartbreak Alex experienced on screen, Stone shared with Us that her reunion with Gomez, 34, behind the scenes and their collaboration was an absolute dream.
Selena Gomez and David Henrie on ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.’ Disney/Eric McCandless
“I was a total mess. The waterproof mascara was ineffective,” Stone recalled, reminiscing about witnessing Gomez step behind the camera for the crucial episode. “During the table read, I cried just seeing her direct. I was a mess.”
She remembered reaching out to Gomez before filming and they both acknowledged, “Okay, this is likely it. This is probably the last time we’re ever going to play Alex and Harper together.”
Stone remarked that it was “a beautiful way to say goodbye to these characters,” while also celebrating how their lives have evolved since they first met.
“I find it incredibly poetic that we bid farewell to these characters as Jen and Selena, but … we’re still going to stay in each other’s lives,” she noted. “We’ll continue to live on beyond what’s shown on screen.”
When discussing Harper’s story conclusion, Stone revealed that there were many unsaid elements, so she has her own ideas about Harper’s current and future journey.
“I envision her in a nurturing role, possibly as a fashion teacher at Parsons in New York,” Stone suggested. “Or maybe she has her own fashion line.”
Jennifer Stone and Selena Gomez on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place.’ Bruce Birmelin/Disney Channel/Everett Collection
Stone also speculated about whether Harper ended up marrying Zeke Beakerman (Dan Benson
“I can see her casually checking in with him every now and then for the Velociraptor dance,” she chuckled, before revealing to Us that Harper might identify as bisexual now. Stone believes this shift in Harper’s sexuality is “definitely something I can see because, you know, Harper’s so open and creative, and I can imagine her loving whoever she connects with.” Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
