Alkaio Thiele on Joining the Russo Family as Roman in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

The moment we've been waiting over a decade for is finally here with the premiere of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

This eagerly anticipated reboot of Wizards of Waverly Place drops today, Oct. 29, on the Disney Channel (appearing tomorrow on Disney+) and follows David Henrie's Justin Russo into adulthood. He's decided to leave magic behind and live a typical, mortal life with his family, but when his sister, Alex (played by Selena Gomez) brings a young wizard named Billie to his doorstep, he'll need to embrace his magical abilities yet again to teach Billie everything she needs to know.

14-year-old actor, singer and voice artist Alkaio Thiele stars in the series as Roman Russo, Justin's oldest son. He's perhaps best known for voicing Peter Parker/Spidey in Disney's Spidey and His Amazing Friends, and we can't wait to see the energy he brings to this exciting reboot. We got the chance to chat with Alkaio to learn all about his passion as an actor and what it means to him to be part of this beloved series in the interview below.

Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?

Alkaio Thiele: My parents have always said it's important to be well-rounded, and their philosophy is try an activity before deciding it's not for you. They said that when I was younger all I ever did was sing, dance and perform to try to make people laugh (even at pretty inconvenient times). So they thought it was pretty logical to have me try musical theater at 11 years old. I was pretty resistant to the idea at first, but then I was given a supporting role in a production of High School Musical and realized I had never been happier in an extracurricular activity. I sobbed after our closing performance and made the realization that I wanted to perform for the rest of my life.

(Photo credit: Sela Shiloni)

 

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SH: What would you say was your first big break?

AT: Although it's a faceless role, I think my first big break was being cast as the voice of Spidey in Disney's Spidey and His Amazing Friends. I signed with my agents (DDO Artists Agency) in April 2022 and booked the role just five months later. To be so new to the industry and get to join the Disney family as such a well-known and recognizable character was phenomenal. I definitely wished I was a superhero when I was little, so I was literally living my childhood dream!

 

SH: Were you a fan of  Wizards of Waverly Place before you were cast? What does it mean to you to join such a storied franchise?

AT: I had actually never heard of the show prior to auditioning for it. My parents raised me with extremely limited screen time, so it wasn't until I decided to become an actor a couple of years ago that I started getting to watch some iconic shows and films. Once I got the audition, I binge-watched the show and definitely became a fan! I am so honored to be a part of this cast, the next generation of Russos, and the Wizards franchise. I really hope fans of the original show feel nostalgic watching the continuing themes of family, friendship, love and acceptance play out in our show. And I hope new fans can see themselves in the characters and issues they see in the show. Most importantly, I hope we make you laugh!

 

SH: What can you tell us about your character, Roman? What's the story of the new series, and where does Roman fit in?

AT: Roman Russo is Justin Russo's oldest son. He's also a high-strung, uptight, rule-following bookworm who loves order, straight A's and always being right.

The new series follows an adult Justin Russo who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family. When Justin's sister, Alex, brings Billie to his home looking for help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities. Roman's world is totally turned upside down when he learns that Billie has magical powers, and he constantly finds himself pushed out of his comfort zone. Though Roman and Billie have clashing personalities, Roman cares about Billie and would ultimately do anything for her and his family.

(Photo credit: Disney/Maarten de Boer)

 

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SH: Would you say you're like Roman in real life? In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you very different?

AT: I'm somewhat like Roman Russo. We both have a love for learning, rules and structure. We also both love to read. We're different in that I am far more adventurous, willing to take risks and enjoy being active outdoors.

 

SH: What's been your favorite memory from the set so far? Any standout moments with the star-studded cast?

AT: Some of my favorite moments on set have been scenes with David Henrie. Because Roman is very much a younger version of Justin Russo, getting to play off David's energy and mannerisms in scenes together is super fun! I've also had some amazing experiences on wires getting to do my own stunts and hope they translate into cool visuals!

(Photo credit: Disney/Eric McCandless)

 

SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see in the series?

AT: I really hope fans can see how much fun we're all having making this show. We're working really hard to capture the heart of the original series, which is so difficult to do with almost all new characters. I'm also hopeful that viewers are able to spot mannerisms from some of my comedic idols that I've incorporated into Roman Russo!

 

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SH: Where else can we see your work right now?

AT: You can catch me as Spidey on Disney's Spidey and His Amazing Friends (animated), as Janner Wingfeather on Prime's The Wingfeather Saga (animated) and as a lead in a highly-anticipated Cartoon Network comedic series coming out in 2025 (animated). The very first feature film I was in, I'll Be There, will be streaming on Nov. 15, and if you're looking for a kid-friendly holiday movie, check out A Christmas Mystery!

(Photo credit: Sela Shiloni)

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

AT: You can find me on IG at @alkaio.thiele!

 

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