The beloved sitcom 'A Different World' is one step closer to returning to screens. The Netflix sequel series has officially wrapped filming for its first season in Atlanta, as announced by the streaming platform in late April.
Production Milestone
Showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride expressed her excitement about reaching this milestone. 'Reaching this point in the process to wrap production has been such a long time in the making,' she told Netflix's Tudum website. 'I can't tell you how proud I am of the work that everyone — from our amazing cast to our awesome crew — has done and the creativity and heart that we have poured into this show. I am so excited for the world to see the magic we've been creating together.'
New Cast Members
Alongside the production update, it was revealed that Cliff Smith, also known as Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan, has joined the cast as Coach Coles. Norman Nixon Jr. is also newly onboard as Professor Baptiste. Original cast members Karen Malina White (Charmaine Brown) and Ajai Sanders (Gina Deveaux) will reprise their roles.
Returning Original Cast
Several original stars are returning, including Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy as Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, respectively. Other returning actors include Darryl M. Bell (Ron Johnson), Cree Summer (Freddie Brooks), Charnele Brown (Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer), Jenifer Lewis (Professor Davenport), Jada Pinkett Smith (Lena James), Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor), and Glynn Turman (Col. Bradford Taylor).
Notably absent from the announced cast are Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable), Marisa Tomei (Maggie Lauten), and Sinbad (Coach Walter Oakes). Bonet left the original show after its first season, and Tomei also departed early. Sinbad suffered a stroke in 2020 but returned to acting last year.
Debbie Allen's Involvement
Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes of the original series, has signed on to direct three episodes of the sequel. 'There couldn't be a better time than now to reboot A Different World,' Allen said. 'Our show changed lives, tripled the enrolment of historically black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America. The incredible fresh young talent we have discovered paired with the lovable audience favourite OGs makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.'
Plot and Release
The 10-episode sequel follows Dwayne and Whitley's youngest child, Deborah (played by Maleah Joi Moon), as she begins her freshman year at Hillman College. Netflix has not yet set a premiere date. The original series, which aired from 1987 to 1993, is currently streaming on Netflix and featured guest stars such as Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, and Tupac Shakur.
