Netflix to Shoot Pilot for A Different World Sequel

Netflix is moving forward with its highly anticipated sequel to the 1987 sitcom A Different World, announcing plans to shoot a pilot that will follow the next chapter of the beloved series. The new project will focus on the daughter of Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), as she embarks on her own journey at an HBCU.

The sequel has been in development since last year, and the green light for the pilot marks a significant milestone in the project. Sources reveal that production is slated to begin in June in Atlanta.

A Different World, originally a spinoff of The Cosby Show, debuted in 1987 and centered around Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) as she navigated life at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. While Bonet left after one season, the series continued its run with a strong ensemble cast, including Guy, Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Sinbad, and more. The show evolved throughout its run, with the love story between Whitley and Dwayne becoming a focal point in later seasons.

The upcoming sequel will follow their daughter, Deborah Wayne, who is now attending college herself. Though it’s still unclear whether she’ll attend Hillman, the show will likely continue exploring themes of college life, love, and self-discovery at an HBCU.

Casting is underway for the role of Deborah and other students aged 18-20, promising a fresh crop of faces to complement the legacy of the original characters. Fans of the series will no doubt be eagerly anticipating what comes next for the iconic couple’s daughter in this new chapter.