Wizards of Waverly Place: Was Alex Russo Bisexual?

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 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).

When requested if there was a storyline he would have appreciated to discover additional within the collection, Murietta did not hesitate to reference the plain flirtations between the characters onscreen. “I wish we could have played more with what was quite obvious to a lot of us: the relationship between Stevie and Alex,” he stated.

For anybody who wants a refresher on the pair’s friendship, Stevie and Alex first met in detention in the course of the present’s third season. While Stevie was solely in 4 episodes, her laid-back, rock ‘n’ roll angle 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 dwelling that Alex and Stevie have been greater than pals. “It was pretty clear to all of us what that relationship was, and that would have been fun [to explore]. That would have been really fun,” Murietta stated. Stevie and Alex parted methods, nevertheless, with out a lot as holding arms, and later within the collection, Alex entered a gradual relationship with werewolf Mason Greyback.

“I wished we could have played more with what was quite obvious to a lot of us,” Murrieta added. “We weren’t able to at that time, but it was pretty clear to all of us what that relationship was.” At the time that “Wizards” was airing, nevertheless, the chance of seeing Alex admit her emotions for one more woman was slim. “At that time, it wasn’t a thing,” Murietta stated. “We got as close as we could. It was pretty close.” Disney Channel didn’t instantly reply to POPSUGAR’s request for touch upon inventive variations between the writers and the community behind the scenes.

In the last decade for the reason that 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 reveals together with “Good Luck Charlie” and “Andi Mack.”

In addition to sweeping Alex’s sexuality beneath the rug, Murietta stated Disney Channel was specific about a number of plot factors all through the collection. Most notably, Murietta — who was additionally a author and govt 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, nevertheless, vetoed the thought in favor of the conclusion we see on display: Alex taking dwelling the title of Family Wizard beneath a technicality.

Though we have been by no means in a position to 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, all the pieces between her and Stevie was because it appeared.

Listen to Murietta’s full interview on the “Wizards of Waverly Pod” forward.