Cheetahs Reunited: Next Gen
Disney Greenlights 'The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen' with Raven-Symoné, Bailon, and New Cast
Key Points
Sophia Bush is set to appear in a supporting role as Jennifré in The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen.
Kiely Williams is not expected to return as Aqua for Next Gen, with the project introducing a new generation of Cheetahs.
Kamogelo Ramashala, who will play Kendi, was discovered during Disney’s global open casting call in South Africa.
There are conflicting reports about the director: some outlets list Billie Woodruff as director, while others indicate he is not listed as directing the film.
The Cheetah Girls franchise has a track record of strong ratings, with the original 2003 film reportedly the highest-rated movie on broadcast or cable that year, followed by The Cheetah Girls 2 in 2006.
Disney is bringing back The Cheetah Girls — and going bigger than ever. The studio has greenlit The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, a fourth film in the franchise, set to begin production in South Africa. People confirmed that Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton will reprise their roles as Galleria and Chanel, with Sabrina Bryan making a special appearance as Dorinda.
The new film will air on both Disney Channel and Disney+. It introduces a fresh squad of young Cheetahs while keeping the original spirit alive. 6ABC reported that the cast also includes Leah Sava' Jeffries, Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang, Sophie Lennon, and Kamogelo Ramashala as the next generation of girls.
New Squad Heads to Africa to Find Their Voice
The story centers on Faith, played by Leah Sava' Jeffries. She and her friends travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. There, Galleria and Chanel step in as mentors. The girls must test their friendship, find their voices, and eventually take the stage as the new Cheetah Girls.
Kamogelo Ramashala, who plays Kendi, was found through Disney's global open casting call in South Africa. That discovery signals how seriously Disney is investing in the film's African setting. Sophia Bush will also appear in a supporting role as Jennifré, adding another familiar face to the lineup.
Original Stars Return — But Not All of Them
Three of the four original Cheetah Girls are back. Raven-Symoné returns as Galleria, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton returns as Chanel, and Sabrina Bryan appears in a special role as Dorinda. AOL confirmed that Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter also return as the parental figures Dorothea and Juanita.
Kiely Williams, who played Aqua in the originals, is not expected to return. The project is focused on passing the torch rather than a full reunion. Raven-Symoné is also on board as a producer alongside longtime franchise executive producer Debra Martin Chase.
Franchise Built on Record-Breaking Ratings
The Cheetah Girls has always drawn huge audiences. The original 2003 film was reportedly the highest-rated movie on broadcast or cable that entire year. The Cheetah Girls 2 followed in 2006, keeping the franchise at the top of Disney Channel's lineup.
Bustle noted that production on Next Gen is set to begin in South Africa next month. The global scope of the new film — from open casting calls in South Africa to a story set at a wildlife sanctuary — marks a major creative swing for the franchise.
Director Role Still Unclear Amid Conflicting Reports
One detail remains unsettled: who is directing the film. Some outlets list Billie Woodruff as director. Woodruff directed the original 2003 Cheetah Girls film. But the most recent updates do not include his name, leaving the directing credit in question.
Despite the uncertainty, Disney's commitment to the project is clear. The studio ran a global casting search, locked in a South Africa production location, and attached major returning talent. Yahoo News reported the film is moving forward with strong momentum heading into production.
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