Disney Channel believes it has found the cabler's next "Hannah Montana"-style hit, picking up the supernatural comedy "Wizards of Waverly Place."
Laffer, created by "Montana" scribe Todd J. Greenwald, centers on the Russos, a multi-cultural household with three kids and one secret: They're wizards-in-training.
Series star Selena Gomez, 14, who was discovered by the Disney Channel in Dallas during a nationwide casting search, will play Alex. She'll play opposite fellow cast members Jake T. Austin and David Henrie.
Maria Canals and David DeLuise have been tapped to play their parents.
Actor/director Fred Savage is on board to helm the show's first two episodes. Greenwald will exec produce with Peter Murrieta ("Hope & Faith"). It's a Laugh Prods. is producing with the Disney Channel.
"Wizards of Waverly Place" is slated for a fall launch.
"We decided that if we combined the elements of wizardry alongside the daily antics of three teenagers living under the same roof with their parents, we'd have a backdrop for a great series," said Disney Channel Worldwide entertainment prexy Gary Marsh.
Contact Michael Schneider at
mike.schneider@variety.com