Disney is bringing back the Cheetah Girls.
The company said Wednesday that a new movie, titled The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, has been greenlit for Disney Channel and Disney+.
Debra Martin Chase, who exec produced the original trilogy, and original star Raven-Symoné are on board to executive produce the new movie. Symoné will also reprise her role as Galleria, while Adrienne Bailon returns as Chanel.
Also returning for a “special appearance” will be original star Sabrina Bryan as Dorinda. Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter will reprise their roles as Dorothea and Juanita, respectively.
The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen will feature a new cast of actresses as well: Leah Sava’ Jeffries (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) as Galleria’s daughter Faith; Carmen Sanchez (Electric Bloom) as Chanel’s sister Dior; Kaileen Chang as Ruby; and Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn. Newcomer Kamogelo Ramashala, a local South African actor who was discovered during a global open casting call held by Disney, will play Kendi.
In addition, Sophia Bush will appear in a supporting role as Jennifré.
The stars of The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, from left: Leah Sava’ Jeffries, Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang and Sophie Lennon.
Courtesy of Disney
The official logline: “The story picks up when Cheetah Girls Galleria (Symoné) and Chanel (Bailon), alongside Galleria’s daughter Faith (Jeffries) and her three friends, travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, these four teen girls test their friendship, find their voice, and discover the true Cheetah spirit as they save the preserve and ultimately take the stage as the new Cheetah Girls.”
Symoné teased the news earlier in the day in a video posted to Instagram with the caption: “It’s happening, and it’s CHEETAHLISHIOUS!”
Disney says that The Cheetah Girls franchise — which includes The Cheetah Girls, The Cheetah Girls 2 and The Cheetah Girls: One World — is one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises. The Cheetah Girls was the highest-rated movie on broadcast or cable in 2003, while the sequel was the highest-rated movie on broadcast or cable in 2006 across several key demos. All three movies, which are based on the Cheetah Girls book series by Deborah Gregory, are streaming on Disney+.
Like the earlier films, Next Gen will be music-driven. It goes into production in South Africa this month.
“The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music and empowering young people to use their voice,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family. “That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”
Next Gen is directed by Bille Woodruff (Bridgerton) and written by Kara Holden, Sarah Watson and Deborah Swisher. Produced by Disney Kids & Family, the movie and features choreography by Kyle Hanagami. Woodruff and Bailon are also co-producers.
Disney also shared an image of the script in making the announcement (see below).
The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen script.
Courtesy of Disney
The news comes as Disney gears up for the release of the latest TV movie in another beloved franchise: Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, which premieres July 16. And Camp Rock 3 — starring and executive produced by original stars the Jonas Brothers, with Demi Lovato exec producing — debuts in August.
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