David Henrie Has Seen a 'Different Side' of Selena Gomez Since Becoming Executive Producers Together: She's Got 'Good Instincts' (Exclusive) Julia MacCaryOctober 2, 2025 at 4:31 AM 0 Steve Granitz/FilmMagic David Henrie has known Selena Gomez for almost two decades, but he is now seeing a new side o...
- - David Henrie Has Seen a 'Different Side' of Selena Gomez Since Becoming Executive Producers Together: She's Got 'Good Instincts' (Exclusive)
Julia MacCaryOctober 2, 2025 at 4:31 AM
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David Henrie has known Selena Gomez for almost two decades, but he is now seeing a new side of the star while working together as executive producers.
The friends grew close on the hit Disney show Wizards of Waverly Place, which ran from 2007 to 2012. Now, they both act in and executive produce the spinoff Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which Henrie says has changed their friendship.
"Getting to produce a project together has made some slight changes in our friendship in a sense of, we've never really talked business or professionally about anything. It's always just been really on a friend level," Henrie, 36, tells PEOPLE on the set of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place season 2. "So it's been kind of fun getting to talk about something we both really care about and try to make that thing as good as we can."
Henrie notes that Gomez, 33, has had "great ideas" for the show. "I've gotten to see a different side of her and how her brain works in a more professional setting, which is wonderful. She really has had such good instincts, and her belief in the project and in everyone means a lot."
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The show got nominated for three Kids' Choice Awards for its first season, which Henrie says is a testament to the work he, Gomez and others have put in. "It's a big deal and I think a lot of that is credit to Selena's belief and effort in helping make this what it is."
Even as their friendship has shifted over the years, Henrie and Gomez have remained close. Henrie has even gotten to know Benny Blanco, whom Gomez tied the knot with on Sept. 27.
"He's very charming. I didn't know what to expect. I trusted that Selena picked a good one, and he was great," Henrie says of the 37-year-old Grammy-winning music producer.
Henrie also tells PEOPLE that he and his wife, Maria Cahill, went on a "double date" with Gomez and Blanco where they grabbed Italian food. "Benny knows his wine, and he knows food, and we had a great time."
Eric McCandless/disney
In 2024, Henrie told PEOPLE that, "despite all of [Gomez's] massive successes," their friendship has "withstood" the test of time because "we're just real with each other."
"We both were close before any of that stuff started. She knows I'm going to be myself with her, and I'm going to be genuine and authentic and shoot her straight," he said. "I think there's a freedom to that that is tough to come by."
Henrie, who plays a grown-up Justin Russo, leads the spinoff, while Gomez makes guest appearances as Alex Russo. The series also stars Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, Max Matenko, Taylor Cora and Mimi Gianopulos. Season 1 saw Justin take young wizard Billie (LeAnn Brown) under his wing as he at first tried to hide his magical powers from his wife and sons.
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Season 2, however, might feel more similar to Wizards of Waverly Place fans, as Justin's sons have magical powers and are competing with each other and Billie to become the sole family wizard.
"It's just like the original show, season 1. Now it really starts," Henrie tells PEOPLE.
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The entire second season of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place will be available to stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
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