Selena Gomez Returns To Waverly Place Selena Gomez was spotted “where it all started” on a recent Instagram post that finds her back at her Wizards of Waverly Place roots. Gomez’s break-out role as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel series paved the way for movie roles in Spring Breakers and Monte Carlo. Selena was casual for the picture, looking up at the Waverly Place street sign. In April, the Only Murders In The Building star said she feels a connection between her witchy character on Waverly Place and her current role as Mabel Mora, "... Mabel is an older version of Alex in a way," said Gomez. Do you think Alex Russo and Mabel Mora share a connection?