Netflix’s A Different World Spinoff Pilot Casts Six Leads

Netflix is officially moving forward with the pilot for its highly anticipated A Different World sequel, casting six rising stars in leading roles. The new installment will follow Deborah Wayne — the daughter of beloved characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert — as she begins her journey at an HBCU. The cast includes Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, Alijah Kai as Rashida, and Kennedi McClure as Hazel.

The project comes from writer/executive producer Felicia Pride, with Debbie Allen directing and returning as executive producer alongside Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood — several of whom worked on the iconic original series. While Netflix has not yet commented, the pilot is slated to shoot in June in Atlanta.