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Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

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Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Logo
GenreComedy[1]
Created byTodd J. Greenwald[2]
Based onWizards of Waverly Place
by Todd J. Greenwald
Developed byJed Elinoff & Scott Thomas[2]
Starring
Theme music composer
  • John Adair
  • Steve Hampton
  • Ryan Elder
  • Brad Hamilton
Opening theme"Everything Is Not What It Seems"
by Janice LeAnn Brown featuring Selena Gomez
ComposerZack Ryan
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Greg A. Hampson
  • Stefen Maekawa
CinematographyClifford Jones
Editors
  • Paul Coneys
  • Anna Terebelo
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22–27 minutes[3]
Production companies
Original release
NetworkDisney Channel
ReleaseOctober 29, 2024 (2024-10-29) –
present (present)
Related
Wizards of Waverly Place (2007−2012)

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is an American comedy television series serving as a spin-off and sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place. It premiered on October 29, 2024, on Disney Channel. The series stars Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, Max Matenko, Taylor Cora, Mimi Gianopulos, and David Henrie. Henrie, Selena Gomez, Jed Elinoff, Scott Thomas, and Andy Fickman executive produce the series alongside Gary Marsh and Jonas Agin.

Premise

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The series follows an adult Justin Russo, living a normal life with his wife and two sons in Staten Island until his sister Alex asks for help with a young wizard-in-training named Billie. He revives his magical skills in order to mentor the young girl while balancing living a normal life and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.

Cast and characters

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See also: List of Wizards of Waverly Place characters

Main

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  • Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie, a young wizard who is sent to live with Justin so he can train her[4]
  • Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo, Justin's oldest son and Milo's older brother[4]
  • Max Matenko as Milo Russo, Justin's youngest son and Roman's younger brother[5]
  • Taylor Cora as Winter, Billie and Roman's best friend[6]
  • Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo, Justin's mortal wife who is an investigative reporter for WOWP News[4]
  • David Henrie as Justin Russo, Giada's husband and the principal of Greenwald Middle School[7]

Notable guest stars

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  • Selena Gomez as Alex Russo, Justin's younger sister and Milo and Roman's aunt.[7][8] She holds a seat on the Wizard Tribunal and is the Russo Family Wizard.
  • Maria Canals-Barrera as Theresa Russo, Justin, Alex and Max's mother and Milo and Roman's grandmother[9]
  • David DeLuise as Jerry Russo, Justin, Alex and Max's father and Milo and Roman's grandfather[10][11]
  • Jake T. Austin as Max Russo, Justin and Alex's younger brother and Milo and Roman's uncle[12]

Episodes

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No.Title [1]Directed byWritten by [2]Original air date [1]Prod.
code [1]
1"Everything Is Not What It Seems"Andy FickmanJed Elinoff & Scott ThomasOctober 29, 2024 (2024-10-29)101

Justin Russo lives an ordinary life with his wife Giada and two sons, Milo and Roman; however, when his sister Alex arrives with a young wizard named Billie, she asks him to be her wizard teacher, but he declines due to giving up magic after being fired from WizTech. When his sons find out about wizards after Billie conjures up a "Floogie" monster, he decides to help train her magic and destroy the monster. Justin, Billie, and Alex enter the family lair, where Alex tells Justin a prophecy that says Billie must prevent the world from ending.

Special guest star: Selena Gomez as Alex Russo

Guest star: Dee Bradley Baker as Floogie

Absent: Taylor Cora as Winter
2"Mortal Vibes Only"Jody Margolin HahnJed Elinoff & Scott ThomasOctober 29, 2024 (2024-10-29)102

Billie gets into trouble with Justin for using magic outside of the lair, and thus, Billie fears being kicked out of the house. When she accidentally reveals to Milo and Roman that their father is a wizard, they try to ask him, but Billie slows them down with a spell and brews an "erasing" potion to make them forget; however, it erases half of each of Milo and Roman's bodies, and in a moment of errors Giada finds out about magic and wizards. Billie leaves, but Justin apologizes and brings her back to the house. A green ghostly figure tries to find Billie to destroy her.

Guest stars: Patrick Bristow as Wizardpedia, Dee Bradley Baker as Phantomus

Absent: Taylor Cora as Winter
3"Saved by the Spell"Andy FickmanJed Elinoff & Scott ThomasOctober 30, 2024 (2024-10-30)[a]103

It's Billie's first day of middle school and her goal is to make a friend. She uses magic to impress Roman's best friend, Winter. A frog warns Giada that a Phantomus is on the loose in Staten Island, and she spends all day trying to find Justin to tell him. Roman becomes jealous of Billie and Winter's newfound friendship and steals Billie's wand. This results in the Phantomus thinking Roman is a wizard and possesses him. Billie tells the Phantomus that she's the one who is a wizard and it goes after her instead. Giada and Justin come in and tell Billie to use a restraining spell. She successfully defeats the Phantomus and traps it inside Giada's purse. Billie apologizes for tricking Winter with her magic and is ultimately forgiven.

Guest stars: Oscar Montoya as Marcus, Dee Bradley Baker as Phantomus, John DiMaggio as Frog
4"Something Wizard This Way Comes"Bob KoherrMolly HaldemanOctober 30, 2024 (2024-10-30)[a]104
It's Halloween, and Billie explains if she were in the wizarding world, she would be preparing for "Pumpkin Belly", a monster that eats children if their house doesn't have terrifying Halloween decorations. When their decorations disappear, Billie and Roman are eaten; inside the stomach, they find Winter, who was the one who stole their decorations to make the monster arrive. Billie uses soda and mints to make the beast throw up, which succeeds until Winter says she left her phone in the stomach, and they have to get eaten again to get it. Meanwhile, Justin discovers that as acting principal, the school students will egg his house.
5"Wizards Just Wand to Have Fun"Victor GonzalezBrittany Assaly & Danielle CalvertNovember 8, 2024 (2024-11-08)[a]105

Justin gets tired of Billie using magic irresponsibly and takes her wand away from her until she can take it seriously. Billie orders a prank box from an online wizarding store; however, when she orders the wrong box and it arrives at Justin's office, he opens it, and it shrinks him down. Billie tries to help him with an interview with the superintendent, but when it goes awry, he ends up at the Russo home with Justin still shrunk. He tells Billie that Justin hasn't got the principal job, but she convinces him to give Justin a second chance just as Justin walks into the lair, which takes off the shrinking spell, and after a successful interview, is given the job. Meanwhile, Roman uses a muscle suit to win at dodgeball.

Guest stars: Darien Sills-Evans as Superintendent Kowalski
6"The Legend of Creepy Follows"Andy FickmanRick WilliamsNovember 8, 2024 (2024-11-08)[a]106

Billie receives a tablet and finds out about Badgebook, an online school program created by Justin that helps with the students' school work, but they mostly use it for followers. When Billie signs up and does not gain any followers, she uses a spell to gain more followers. However, they start physically following her in real life and she learns from Wizardpedia that she must undo the spell or they will destroy her. She transfers the spell to Roman, who comes close to being destroyed, but Billie and Giada destroy all the tablets to break the spell. Meanwhile, Milo breaks into the lair and shows Wizardpedia how to have fun.

Guest star: Patrick Bristow as Wizardpedia
7"We're Gonna Need a Bigger Float"Andy FickmanRobin M. HenryNovember 15, 2024 (2024-11-15)[a]107

Billie fails to do her wizard homework for several weeks and she is forbidden from going to the Fall Fest Parade until completed. Justin catches her in a lie when Billie tries say she did her homework. While reading the spell book, she is advised to use the Spellp-Line, a helpline for wizards in need of help. Billie is transported to the Spellp-Line and meets Jerry Russo, Justin's father. She tricks him into giving her a completion spell to complete her homework. Roman causes everyone to leave the float decorating committee after being too bossy. He attempts to finish the float but fails; Billie uses the completion spell to finish the float and the kids start carrying it across town. Roman gets tired of pulling it by himself and the float suddenly starts floating in the air. As Justin grades Billie's quizzes, he realizes that she used the Spellp-Line. He reunites with his father inside the Spellp-Line and asks what he's doing wrong as a teacher which Jerry tells him that every student learns differently. Roman wants to land the float but Billie isn’t sure how to land it. Eventually, Billie finds a dropping spell that brings the float back down to the ground which destroys the float. Roman apologized to the decorating committee. Billie apologizes to Jerry and agrees that she needs to take her homework seriously if she wants to be a great wizard. Ultimately, Roman's float ends up beating the rival middle school's float.

Special guest star: David DeLuise as Jerry Russo

Absent: Taylor Cora as Winter
8"You Can't Handle the Tooth"Victor GonzalezSandra OyeneyinNovember 15, 2024 (2024-11-15)[a]111
Justin has a bad toothache from his wisdom teeth that makes him extremely cranky. He was supposed to get them pulled out when he was younger, but he pulled them off. When Justin takes a nap, Billie uses a spell to remove his wisdom teeth. It makes him feel a lot better, but the spell also removed his wisdom and he starts acting out of character. Meanwhile, Milo and Roman have a difficult time agreeing on how their club house should be designed.
9"Wiz-Taken Identity"Lynda TarrykJorge ThomsonNovember 22, 2024 (2024-11-22)[a]108

Billie struggles with a spell, and Roman offers to help her if he were a wizard; Billie uses an hourglass to transfer her powers to Roman for an hour, which she finds out is illegal to use on a mortal. A ministry member, Bigelow McFigglehorn, comes to test Billie's abilities, and Roman pretends to be her as she doesn't know her face. When another McFigglehorn enters the Russo home, the first McFigglehorn reveals herself as evil wizard Morphia Murkshadow, who has come to take Billie; however, when Billie's magic transfers back to her, she defeats her and is taken to prison. At the prison, a dark figure appears before Morphia, who sends her through a portal to an unknown place.

Guest stars: Kirsten Vangsness as Bigelow McFigglehorn, JJ Nolan as Morphia Murkshadow, Eleanor Sweeney as Bella Bianchi, Kristin Hensley as Anita Bianchi

Absent: Taylor Cora as Winter
10"Ain't Gnome Party Like a Wizard Party"TBABrett MaierNovember 22, 2024 (2024-11-22)109

Production

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Development

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On January 18, 2024, it was announced that Disney had ordered a pilot for a sequel television series of Wizards of Waverly Place.[14] Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, who developed Raven's Home, the sequel to That's So Raven, wrote the pilot episode.[15] It was directed by Andy Fickman.[16] Elinoff, Thomas, and Fickman executive produce the series alongside stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie, as well as Gary Marsh, a former television executive, and Jonas Agin.[17] The pilot was filmed on February 1, 2024, with Gomez guest starring and reprising her role as Alex Russo.[18] In the series, Henrie's character is set to have given up his wizard powers to live like a normal human.[19][20] On March 22, 2024, it was announced that Disney Channel had ordered the pilot to series.[21] Production began in Los Angeles in April 2024.[22] Wizards was used as the working title during early filming[23] until its official title, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, was announced in May 2024.[24] Raven-Symoné and Danielle Fishel directed episodes.[13] Andy Fickman also directed additional episodes outside of the pilot.[25]

Casting

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David Henrie reprises his role as Justin Russo, while Selena Gomez guest starred in the pilot as Alex Russo.[26] Mimi Gianopulos was cast to portray Giada, Justin's wife, and Alkaio Thiele plays their oldest son Roman.[27] Additionally, Janice LeAnn Brown stars as Billie, a young wizard seeking Justin's assistance in wizard training.[28] At the time it was ordered to series, it was reported that Max Matenko was cast as Milo, Justin's youngest son.[29] Taylor Cora also appears as Winter, Billie and Roman's best friend.[30] It was later announced that David DeLuise would reprise his role as Justin's father Jerry.[31]

Release

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The trailer for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place amassed 69 million viewers in 10 days across all social media platforms. It became Disney Channel's most-watched trailer for a comedy series of all time.[32] The series premiered on October 29, 2024, on Disney Channel. The first nine episodes became available to stream on Disney+ the following day, with episodes 3–9 being released prior to their televised premieres.[13]

Reception

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Critical response

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The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8/10, based on 6 critic reviews.[33] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 78 out of 100 based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[34]

Aramide Tinubu of Variety said Wizards Beyond Waverly Place successfully blends nostalgia with fresh content. She praised the performances of both returning cast members like David Henrie and Selena Gomez, and newcomers such as Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, and Max Matenko. Tinubu found the enhanced special effects and comedic timing of the child actors particularly impressive. She stated that the series retains the charm of the original, with its focus on family and magic, while introducing new adventures. She appreciated the show's lively and fun atmosphere, saying it appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.[35] Joel Keller of Decider noted that Wizards Beyond Waverly Place captures the silliness and family vibe of the original show, but observed a difference in Selena Gomez's performance. He praised her more subtle comedic timing, saying it may be influenced by her work on Only Murders in the Building, contrasting with the more exaggerated sitcom-like acting from the rest of the cast. Keller appreciated her nuanced portrayal of Alex Russo, balancing the childlike antics around her. He also highlighted the show's focus on Billie's integration into the mortal world and the return of original cast members, expecting the series to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new younger audiences.[36]

Abigail Stevens of Screen Rant found Wizards Beyond Waverly Place to be a funny and heartwarming sequel that successfully captures the essence of its predecessor. She praised David Henrie and Selena Gomez for reprising their roles, noting their strong dynamic, while complimenting the performances of the new cast members. Stevens appreciated how the show mirrors the original family structure without feeling like a direct copy, maintaining unique characterizations. She stated that the series introduces darker emotional storylines, hinting at deeper themes of family and self-worth.[37] Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media rated Wizards Beyond Waverly Place four out of five stars. She complimented the show's comedic tone and found the moderate scariness of the wizards' encounters with monsters to be lighthearted and not overly alarming. Moulton appreciated the positive messages about perseverance and self-belief, while noting that the main character Billie is a complex role model, showing both rebelliousness and personal growth. She also found Justin Russo to be a good role model, while the relationship between brothers Milo and Roman was seen as affectionate despite typical sibling rivalry.[38]

Ratings

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Wizards Beyond Waverly Place debuted with 3.2 million views globally in its first 12 days on Disney+, making it the most-watched series premiere on the platform for Disney Channel. The show ranked as the top streaming series in the U.S. among Kids 6—11, Girls 6—11, Teens, and Adults 18—24 during its first five days. The release of the full first episode on YouTube attracted 1.1 million views, marking the channel's best performance for a new full episode since 2017. Social media activity generated over 125 million impressions and 13 million engagements on platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.[39][40]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g This episode was first released on Disney+ on October 30, 2024, ahead of its release on Disney Channel.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Shows A-Z - wizards beyond waverly place on disney". The Futon Critic. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place – WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  3. ^ "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place". DisneyNow. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Hipes, Patrick; Tapp, Tom (January 18, 2024). "Yes, Selena Gomez Is Back For The 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel: Here's Everything We Know About Its Cast, Plot, Release Date & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  5. ^ Schneider, Michael (March 22, 2024). "'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel From Selena Gomez and David Henrie Gets Series Order at Disney Channel and Disney+". Variety. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  6. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (May 14, 2024). "Selena Gomez Reveals Wizards of Waverly Place Spinoff Title — See First Photos". TVLine. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Lewis, George (January 18, 2024). "Selena Gomez confirmed for Wizards Of Waverly Place sequel". Digital Spy. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  8. ^ "Everything Is Not What It Seems". Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Season 1. Episode 1. October 29, 2024. Disney Channel.
  9. ^ Trepel, Skylar (June 18, 2024). "Wizards of Waverly Place Reboot: All About the Disney Show Revival Starring Selena Gomez". people.com. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  10. ^ Peralta, Diego (June 21, 2024). "The 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel Series Just Got a Huge Update". Collider. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  11. ^ "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Float". Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Season 1. Episode 7. November 15, 2024. Disney Channel.
  12. ^ Lee, Tionah (January 28, 2024). "Jake T. Austin Returning for 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Reboot". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c Kaur, Brahmjot (August 29, 2024). "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Premiere Date and New Look Revealed". E! Online. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  14. ^ Walsh, Savannah (January 18, 2024). "Selena Gomez Is "So Excited" to Be Returning for a Wizards of Waverly Place Revival". Vanity Fair. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  15. ^ Otterson, Joe (January 18, 2024). "'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel Pilot Ordered at Disney Channel, Selena Gomez and David Henrie Among Cast". Variety. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  16. ^ Cordero, Rosy (January 18, 2024). "Selena Gomez & David Henrie Reunite For Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel Pilot For Disney Channel; Cast Set". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  17. ^ Dailey, Hannah (January 18, 2024). "Selena Gomez, David Henrie to Produce & Appear in 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Disney Revival". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  18. ^ Swift, Andy (February 3, 2024). "Wizards of Waverly Place Revival: Everything We Know About the Russos' Return to Disney Channel". TVLine. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  19. ^ Lee, Tionah (January 18, 2024). "Selena Gomez and David Henrie Confirm Their Return to 'Wizards of Waverly Place' for Sequel". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  20. ^ Perry, Katie E G (January 19, 2024). "Selena Gomez set to return for Wizards of Waverly Place sequel series". The Independent. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  21. ^ Seitz, Loree (March 22, 2024). "Disney Greenlights 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel Series With Selena Gomez, David Henrie". The Wrap. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  22. ^ Cordero, Rosy (March 22, 2024). "'Wizards Of Waverly Place' Sequel Series Set At Disney Channel With Selena Gomez & David Henrie Returning". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  23. ^ @disneychannel (January 18, 2024). "📍Waverly Place". Retrieved May 15, 2024 – via Instagram.
  24. ^ Cordero, Rosy (May 14, 2024). "Selena Gomez Reveals Title Of 'Wizards Of Waverly Place' Spinoff; Drops First-Look Photos". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  25. ^ Camplone, Katie (August 29, 2024). "'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place' Gets Premiere Date; Raven-Symoné & Danielle Fishel To Direct Episodes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  26. ^ Wenger, Stephanie; Jackson, Dory (January 18, 2024). "Selena Gomez Is 'So Excited' to Reunite with David Henrie for Upcoming Wizards of Waverly Place Revival". People. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  27. ^ Kang, Esther (January 22, 2024). "Selena Gomez and David Henrie Lay the Table for Wizards of Waverly Place Revival: 'Let's Make Some Magic'". People. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  28. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (January 18, 2024). "Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel Series in the Works at Disney Channel — Will Selena Gomez Return?". TVLine. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  29. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (March 22, 2024). "'Wizards of Waverly Place' Sequel Series a Go at Disney+". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  30. ^ Hailu, Selome (May 14, 2024). "'Wizards of Waverly Place' Spinoff Reveals First Look at Grown-Up Alex and Justin, Sets Official Title". Variety. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  31. ^ Strout, David (June 22, 2024). "David Henrie Says 'Wizards' Fans Will 'Choke Up' at His Revival Reunion With Selena Gomez (Exclusive)". US Weekly. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  32. ^ Campione, Katie (October 4, 2024). "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Trailer Sets Record For Disney Channel With 69M Views In 10 Days". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  33. ^ "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  34. ^ "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  35. ^ Tinubu, Aramide (October 29, 2024). "'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place' Is a Hilariously Magical Reboot Even if Selena Gomez Isn't Around Much: TV Review". Variety. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  36. ^ Keller, Joel (October 29, 2024). "'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place' Disney Plus Review: Stream It Or Skip It?". Decider. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  37. ^ Stevens, Abigail (October 26, 2024). "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Review: A Delightful Disney Channel Revival With Unbelievably Funny Kids". Screen Rant. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  38. ^ Mouton, Ashley. "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place TV Review | Common Sense Media". Common Sense Media. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  39. ^ Campione, Katie (November 12, 2024). "'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place' Enchants Audiences To Score Record Premiere Viewership On Disney+". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  40. ^ Faber, Maxon (November 12, 2024). ""Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" Becomes Disney Channel's Biggest Disney+ Premiere Ever". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
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