When it first aired in 2007, Janice Lee Ann Brown wasn’t even born yet. David Henry — an original cast member who is now his co-star and executive producing the sequel series — confirms this with the teenage actor, almost in disbelief. The Disney Channel series, which launched the careers of its stars Selena Gomez, Henry and Jack T. Austin, completed its first run in early 2012. Some of the original cast, including Henry and Gomez, who now reprise their roles from both EPs, return. Sequel series. Seeking guidance and family support, Billy, portrayed by Brown, brings in the new dashing teenage wizard. A role that Henry’s Justin and the Russo family happily play in the series. Below, Henry and Brown discuss the importance of bringing the original show’s message to a new generation, bringing Gomez on board and how the show appeals to original fans.
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What’s it like to return to a show that was probably so important to you?
David Henry This is a very good question. To me this word would make sense. It’s more than just a job. It’s more than getting back in front of the camera. It makes sense because the fans have meant so much to me and Selena over the years. Some of the stories they have told us have touched our hearts. We’ve had kids come up to both of us from all over the world and say, “Your show literally saved my life. I was going through a really tough time in my life and I needed a laugh, and you were there at the right time. . or “I come from a very broken family, and your show showed me that not all families can leave you. Those families can be there for you and give you that foundation. So it makes a lot of sense. I wanted to bring the show back as a big hug to the original fan of nostalgia and bring the values to a whole new generation that the original show missed out on. A lot of the fans we’re going after were born after it ended, so we’re excited to bring that same love to a whole new audience. I mean, Janice, when were you born?
Janice Lynn Brown 2010.
Henry Yes, we did. The show was ending in 2011, so it’s an exciting time to engage a new audience.
Speaking of a whole new audience, Janice, what was it like playing this pivotal role? The pilot episode was a lot of fun. It looked like you were having a great time. How has the experience been so far?
Brown The only way I can describe it is that it’s really an honor, especially since growing up… I was a big fan of the movie, so I used to watch the movie all the time. I may have watched one season of the series, but the movie was my jam. To be a part of something that I hold so dear to my heart feels so surreal, such a great blessing.
Obviously it means something different to both of you, but what was it like having Selena Gomez on board for the series?
Henry She was the first person I came up with the idea to, though we both came up with it because we’d only hung out so much over the years. He, me and my wife, we’ll be having dinner, drinking wine, talking about good memories. We will be creating ideas about what the characters will be today. At one point we both looked at each other and said, “I think we’ve got a show here.” When he had time to formalize with it and do the pitch and everything, I took it to him in all seriousness and I was like, “Hey, I’m not going to do this without you. I don’t think so.” That will be fine. I can’t do that. What do you think?” She was like, “Yeah, duh, of course it’s a great time.” He and I went back and forth and took him to Disney together and the first goal was to find someone to be the next Alex. [Gomez’s character]. This is where jeans enter the equation. It meant a lot that she was as passionate as I was and saw her need.
Janice, what was it like working with these two?
Brown They both make me feel safe. Ask questions, make mistakes. I know they have my best interest at heart, and I know they won’t let me down. Knowing that I have this kind of support and just knowing that I am safe with these two beautiful people really makes me feel so relieved and happy.
What are you most excited about seeing with the character of Billy or just the show in general?
Brown I am very excited to see the cat progress for people. I think throughout the show, you can definitely see how she’s growing in Russia and it’s a big difference from the first episode to the last. It really shows how much people can change when they are in a really great environment. It just goes to show that family can always have your back, they can help you with anything. It just kind of proves that you don’t have to be blood related to someone, but it’s just like a found family. I’m really excited to see people’s character development, adventures, attitude, ridiculousness.
David, you touched on the idea that Billy is the next Alex. It’s fair to say his son in the show, Roman (Alcaio Thali)is definitely Justin next. [Henrie’s character] in this series. How has being the father figure to the character been compared to you playing the role?
Henry It is very cool. When he auditioned, it was very similar to Janice. It was pretty much the whole room turning to each other and going, “Yeah, that’s him, that’s mini Justin.” You can’t really teach timing. It wasn’t something I learned either, although I did take my acting classes and I improved a lot. You either have it or you don’t and then you can improve it. He’s a big musical theater kid, so he’s used to performing and he’s got the time. Comic timing is really tricky. The tight and high-energy timing of sitcom timing is tough, and you either get it or you don’t. He has achieved this in leaps and bounds. He is a forward thinker. I can tell the way his mind works, what he can do to put his own little spin on things, and he tries things very similarly to himself. A little mini-me is really fun to work with. Our scenes together where we just meet each other are really, really fun. Like looking in the mirror and he looks exactly like me. This is insane. You can get people who look like you, but then combining it with acting, it never happens. He was the right look and the right act.
What’s it like to be able to drop in a little bit for older viewers who are watching through their kids or this new generation? Is this something you have in mind?
Henry We especially do a lot to take care of the original fans. We do throwback episodes where my character will look familiar from the original episodes that you are familiar with. It might involve some time travel or not literal time travel, but recreating things from the original show, the same wardrobes from the original show. We pretty much connect the dots from where you last looked to today. In the space between, there is the mystery and excitement of what happened, which we carry forward. Throughout the seasons of the show, there are many mysteries from the past that are unraveling in the present day. That fans will really appreciate, is a driving engine in the first season.
What do you really want people to take away from this new series?
Brown I think what I really want to achieve, what I’m looking forward to the most is just showing people that they’re not alone. Even when it can feel that way, there will always be someone who has your back. Even if it feels like, “Oh, nobody’s going to accept me, nobody’s going to like me. What if I don’t fit in with these kids? What if these kids think this and that about me?” So what? I just want people to know that it doesn’t matter what other people say. I want everyone to know that they are not alone. You have people to fit in Don’t try to bring yourself down, just remember, if you have a family, don’t take it for granted.
Henry That’s actually a great way to understand my answer because the challenge was how do you recreate these beautiful family values from the original show in a brand new way? This is a really tough challenge and the answer is actually simple. You bring in a character who is struggling to find family and you bring that person in like a wrecking ball and watch him start to become Rousseau. It was a beautiful way to restart the show’s engine by bringing in a character who has had a troubled family life, and who is desperately longing for it, but running from it at the same time. It is working well for us.
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The first nine episodes are now streaming on Disney+. The release date for the remaining episodes of the 21-episode season is yet to be announced. Read the chat with showrunners Scott Thomas and Jade Elenoff.
Credit : www.hollywoodreporter.com
