Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a much-welcome reboot of the beloved Disney show Wizards of Waverly Place, which aired between 2007 and 2012. The show was an important part of the fantasy teen dramas typical in Disney in the early 2000s.
The 2024 reboot has tried to keep up with the nostalgia of its predecessor by introducing many new characters inspired by the original. While it is impossible to bring back the original cast, as the actors have grown up in the following decade, the reboot is heavily inspired by the original in terms of characters.
Harper Finkle was one of the most beloved characters on the original shows, best friends with Alex Russo. While Harper is not part of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, the character of Winter closely resembles Harper from the original.
Here is everything about Winter's character and how she is related to Harper in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
Who was Harper Finkle in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place original series?
Actress Jennifer Stone portrayed Harper Finkle in the original Wizards of Waverly Place. She was Alex's best friend, and the occasional hiding of her magical powers from Finkle often led to tensions in their friendship.
In season 2, Alex finally reveals her magical powers and the world of wizards to Finkle, making her one of three mortals, along with Zeke Beakerman and Theresa Russo, to know their secret.
Harper had a crush on Justin, Alex's cousin, on the show, which resulted in many gags. Harper was naturally innovative, creative, and artistic, starkly contrasting to Alex. She had a clear conscience and always knew what was right and wrong.
Being a studious kid, she did not favor Alex when she had to lie or cheat on someone but would occasionally help out her friend in need. Harper was a nervous and often forgetful character on the show who used to scream in difficult situations.
One of her most memorable lines from the show is ''See you in PE!"
Which character is inspired by Harper Finkle in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place?
While the original character is not part of the reboot, Winter is heavily inspired by Harper Finkle in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. She is played by actress Taylor Cora. She is introduced as Roman's friend from school.
But she, like Harper, is reeled into the world of Wizardry by Billie, who forms a bond with her. Like the original, Winter is also one of the mortals who knows about the secret of their magical world.
While Harper and Alex's friendship quickly escalated on the original show, Winter also forms a bond with Billy. Following her predecessor's footsteps, Winter is also academic, creative, and occasionally forgetful. She also mimics Harper's journey from initial awkwardness to eventual familiarity with magic in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
Winter's character is also used to add comic relief in the show as she finds herself in odd magical situations with no solutions. While she is not shown to have a crush on Justin, like the original, her naivety and awkwardness create comical gags, nodding at the original character she is inspired by.
She serves as Billie's mortal counterpart in her magical world and a trustworthy friend who will aid her in any odd situation.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiered on October 29, 2024 on Disney+.
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.