When you think of the Russo family, your mind probably goes straight to Selena Gomez’s iconic eye rolls or David Henrie’s neurotic rule-following. But honestly, the show wouldn't have been the same without the absolute chaos brought by Max Russo. Played by Jake T. Austin, Max was the wild card. He was the kid who turned himself into a little girl (shoutout to Bailee Madison’s stint as "Maxine"), the one who thought he could survive on a diet of sandwiches, and the sibling who—spoilers for a decade-old show—actually ended up as a mortal running the family business.
People are still searching for max russo movies and tv shows because, let’s be real, the nostalgia is hitting hard. With the 2024 launch of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, fans are desperate to see where the youngest Russo sibling went. Did he just stay at the sub station? Is he even still acting?
The Definitive Max Russo Era
Max Russo wasn't just a sidekick. Between 2007 and 2012, Jake T. Austin built a character that was essentially the heart of the Disney Channel’s golden era. Unlike Alex, who used magic for mischief, or Justin, who used it for "good," Max used magic because he was bored or confused. Usually both.
If you're looking for the essential Max Russo watchlist, it starts with the original series, but it definitely doesn't end there. You’ve got the 2009 crossover event Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana, which was basically the Avengers: Endgame for 2000s kids. Then there’s Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, where Max is slowly being erased from existence while his siblings fight a genie in the Caribbean.
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Most people forget that Max actually made one last "official" appearance in the 2013 special The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex. By that point, he was the only sibling without powers, which added a weirdly grounded layer to his character. He was just a guy living in a world of wizards, trying to make the best sub sandwich in Manhattan.
Life After the Lair: Jake T. Austin’s Career
When the wand was put away, Jake T. Austin didn't just disappear. In fact, he jumped straight into one of the most talked-about teen dramas of the 2010s: The Fosters.
Playing Jesus Foster was a massive departure from the "dumb-but-lovable" energy of Max Russo. It was gritty. It dealt with the foster care system, identity, and serious family trauma. However, in a move that shocked the fanbase, Austin left the show after two seasons. He was eventually replaced by Noah Centineo.
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Voice Acting and Big Screen Jumps
If you recognize his voice but can't place it, you’re probably thinking of Diego. Yes, that Diego. Austin was the voice of the title character in Go, Diego, Go! for years. It’s a fun fact that usually blows people's minds when they realize the kid saving jaguars is the same one accidentally casting spells on his parents.
His filmography is actually pretty diverse:
- Hotel for Dogs (2009): He starred alongside Emma Roberts in this family hit right at the peak of his Disney fame.
- Rio & Rio 2: He voiced Fernando, the young Brazilian boy who helps the Macaws.
- The Emoji Movie (2017): He played Alex, the human owner of the phone where the emojis live.
- Justice League vs. Teen Titans: He voiced Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle. He actually reprised this role in several DC animated projects, proving he’s got some serious range beyond sitcom timing.
What Really Happened with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?
This is the part where fans get a little bummed out. When the sequel series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiered in late 2024, Max Russo was noticeably absent. The show focuses on an adult Justin Russo trying to live a normal life until Alex brings him a new young wizard to train.
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In the show's lore, it’s revealed that Max is now a billionaire. He didn't just stay in the basement of the sub shop; he franchised the Waverly Sub Station into a global empire. He apparently lives on a yacht now.
Off-screen, the situation is a bit more complicated. David Henrie has mentioned in interviews—including a notable chat on the Zach Sang Show in late 2025—that he wants Jake T. Austin back for a second season. Austin himself has teased fans on Instagram, but as of right now, there hasn’t been a physical reunion on camera. There were rumors he wasn't invited, while others say it was a scheduling conflict. Whatever the truth is, the door seems to be propped open with a magical spell.
Is He Still Acting?
To be honest, Jake T. Austin has been pretty quiet lately. His most recent credits include the 2020 thriller Adverse and a 2024 Lifetime movie called Killing for Extra Credit. He’s definitely moved into more "adult" territory, stepping away from the bright lights of multi-cam comedies.
If you're looking to binge-watch everything related to max russo movies and tv shows, your best bet is sticking to the Disney+ library for the core nostalgia, then heading over to Max (the streaming service, not the character) to check out his voice work in the DC Universe.
Actionable Next Steps
- The Nostalgia Trip: Start with Wizards of Waverly Place Season 4, Episode 10 ("Back to Max"), to see the transition from Bailee Madison back to Jake T. Austin.
- The "Grown Up" Watch: Check out the first two seasons of The Fosters on Hulu or Disney+ to see his range as a dramatic actor.
- The Deep Cut: Track down The Perfect Game (2009), a sports drama where he plays a real-life Little League player from Mexico. It's easily one of his best underrated performances.
Whether or not we see Max Russo walk back into that sub station in 2026 remains the biggest question for the fandom. For now, we've got the reruns and a billionaire backstory to keep us going.