Image Source: Getty / Adam Rose / Disney Channel
More than a decade after the “Wizards of Waverly Place” collection finale aired in 2012, showrunner Peter Murrieta validated certainly one of Disney Channel’s greatest ships: Alex Russo and Stevie Nichols. Speaking with former “Wizards” stars Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise on the “Wizards of Waverly Pod” on March 27, Murrieta confirmed that Alex, performed by Selena Gomez, was bisexual and had romantic emotions for Stevie (performed by Hayley Kiyoko).
“It was fairly clear to all of us what that relationship was.”
When requested if there was a storyline he would have appreciated to discover additional within the collection, Murietta did not hesitate to reference the apparent flirtations between the characters onscreen. “I want we might have performed extra with what was fairly apparent to loads of us: the connection between Stevie and Alex,” he mentioned.
For anybody who wants a refresher on the pair’s friendship, Stevie and Alex first met in detention throughout the present’s third season. While Stevie was solely in 4 episodes, her laid-back, rock ‘n’ roll perspective completely complemented Alex’s witty, rebellious character.
Though the character of their relationship wasn’t confirmed onscreen, the chemistry between the duo — affectionately referred to as Stalex by followers — was sufficient to sign to viewers at residence that Alex and Stevie have been greater than mates. “It was fairly clear to all of us what that relationship was, and that might have been enjoyable [to explore]. That would have been actually enjoyable,” Murietta mentioned. Stevie and Alex parted methods, nonetheless, with out a lot as holding arms, and later within the collection, Alex entered a gentle relationship with werewolf Mason Greyback.
“I wanted we might have performed extra with what was fairly apparent to loads of us,” Murrieta added. “We weren’t capable of at the moment, however it was fairly clear to all of us what that relationship was.” At the time that “Wizards” was airing, nonetheless, the probability of seeing Alex admit her emotions for one more lady was slim. “At that point, it wasn’t a factor,” Murietta mentioned. “We obtained as shut as we might. It was fairly shut.” Disney Channel didn’t instantly reply to POPSUGAR’s request for touch upon artistic variations between the writers and the community behind the scenes.
In the last decade because the present got here to a detailed, Disney Channel has more and more featured LGBTQ+ characters on TV. Most notably, the community has showcased queer characters and same-sex relationships in exhibits together with “Good Luck Charlie” and “Andi Mack.”
In addition to sweeping Alex’s sexuality below the rug, Murietta mentioned Disney Channel was specific about a number of plot factors all through the collection. Most notably, Murietta — who was additionally a author and government producer for the present — initially meant for Alex to win the wizard competitors and quit her title as household wizard in favor of marrying a mortal, identical to her dad had for her mother. Murietta claims Disney Channel, nonetheless, vetoed the thought in favor of the conclusion we see on display screen: Alex taking residence the title of Family Wizard below a technicality.
Though we have been by no means capable of see what life would have been like for Alex if the community had been extra open to queer illustration onscreen, it is good to know that, ultimately, every little thing between her and Stevie was because it appeared.
Listen to Murietta’s full interview on the “Wizards of Waverly Pod” forward.