Selena Gomez has come a long way since "Wizards of Waverly Place" first aired in 2007. Over the past six years, she became one the Disney Channel's most popular stars, started her own clothing line and launched a successful music and film career.
Although her newest movie, "Spring Breakers" (coming out March 22), is for a decidedly adult audience, Selena hasn't left behind her Disney roots for good. In fact, Selena says developing "The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex," a special episode airing tonight on the Disney Channel, was her idea. The 20-year-old actress not only reprised her role as Alex Russo for the TV movie, but she also served as executive producer of the project.
We caught up with Selena on set to chat all things "Wizards," growing up in the public eye and why she feels inspired by Taylor Swift. Check it out in the video above.
Here are some highlights from our Q&A:
What's it was like to be an executive producer...
It was weird at first, but I was able to have a little more say about the material and making sure the cast was happy, too -- even when it came down to wardrobe. I wanted it to seem like it was all an older version of "Wizards," so I wanted us all to be comfortable and a little bit older. I didn't do a lot but having my say in it was kind of fun.
What it was like to reunite with the cast again...
I always knew I wasn't ready for it to be over, but I was sitting in a hotel room -- I don't remember where it was -- and the Disney Channel came on. It was like our show didn't even exist anymore and it was so sad. I got a little bummed. I was like, "I miss our show." For us to just be able to come back for one episode for the fans is really amazing.
What it was like on the first day filming "Wizards"...
I remembering thinking, "this is so awkward that I have to pretend to know these people." But these people have become my family now, so it's just crazy to see how far we've all come and how they've all been there for me from the beginning.
What it was like growing up on the Disney Channel...
It was a blessing. it was beautiful and tragic. It was everything that every teen goes through, just on a bigger scale. It literally was like high school.
Why Taylor Swift's friendship is important to her...
Taylor always inspires me, not just with music -- she just inspires me as a person. She's really, really sweet and just reflects beauty inside and out. If I'm going through anything Taylor can pull me out of it in five seconds.
What her wizarding power-of-choice would be...
Rewinding time would be cool -- not to go back and do over anything, but just to experience those moments that were really fun again and again.
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