The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex is a 2013 American television special based on the Disney Channel Original Series Wizards of Waverly Place. It was directed by Victor Gonzalez and filmed primarily in Disney Studios in October and November 2012. The full cast of the series starred in the special with the exception of David Henrie as Justin Russo although the character was mentioned frequently. The film focuses on the Russo family Harper and Mason visiting Italy for a family reunion. The special premiered on March 15 2013 on the Disney Channel in the United States and attracted 5.9 million viewers.