Pack your bags, because we are officially heading back to Hillman College! Netflix has announced that production for its highly anticipated A Different World sequel series has officially wrapped in Atlanta, Georgia.
The upcoming show is set to explore the lives, loves, and academic journeys of an entirely new generation of students at the iconic fictional HBCU.
As production crossed the finish line, the streaming giant revealed some exciting last-minute additions to the cast list. Hip-hop legend and acclaimed actor Cliff “Method Man” Smith (Power Book II: Ghost, The Wire) is officially stepping onto campus as Coach Coles. He is joined by Norman Nixon Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy), who will take on the role of Professor Baptiste.
Longtime fans also have more familiar faces to look forward to. Legacy cast members Karen Malina White and Ajai Sanders are officially returning to reprise their classic roles as Charmaine Brown and Gina Deveaux.
Bringing the beloved sitcom back to life has been a massive undertaking. Showrunner and Executive Producer Felicia Pride shared her excitement with Netflix’s Tudum about finally completing the filming process.
“Reaching this point in the process to wrap production has been such a long time in the making. 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.”
The newly announced actors join a massive, star-studded ensemble that beautifully bridges the gap between the original series and the modern era, anchored by a confirmed returning legacy roster of fan favorites.
Reprising their iconic roles are Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne, Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert, Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson, and Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks. This illustrious alumni group is further rounded out by Charnele Brown returning as Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer, Dawnn Lewis as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor, Glynn Turman as Col. Bradford Taylor, and Jada Pinkett Smith back on campus as Lena James.
They will be joined by industry heavyweights like Jenifer Lewis, Tichina Arnold, and Raven Goodwin. Meanwhile, the new Hillman student body will be brought to life by a fresh class of rising stars, including Maleah Joi Moon, Alijah Kai Haggins, Chibuikem Uche, and Cornell Young, who are ready to make their own mark on the Hillman legacy.
With filming officially in the can, it is only a matter of time before Netflix drops the first official look. Get your Hillman sweatshirts ready!
