‘A Different World’ Sequel In Development At Netflix
We may be heading back to Hillman College.
Deadline reports that an A Different World sequel is in development at Netflix, and writer Felicia Pride is attached to the project. Numerous original ADW creative team members are reportedly involved in the project, including Debbie Allen, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Tom Werner. All alumni mentioned will be included in the sequel as executive producers, along with Pride and Mandy Summers.
While the show is in the early stages of development, the sequel will reportedly focus on Dwayne Cleophus Wayne (played by Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne’s (portrayed by Jasmine Guy) youngest daughter, who is now a freshman at Hillman, her parents’ alma mater.
If you’re in the demographic responding to the news by saying, “Why can’t we get original series ideas like the original ADW was?” Well, you’re in for a surprise. A Different World debuted in September 1987, and was a spinoff of the uber-popular Cosby Show. A Different World initially focused on Denise Huxtable (played by Lisa Bonet) and explored her going out on her own to become a student at the fabled HBCU.
During that time, Bill Cosby was initially credited as the creator. After season 2, Allen was brought on, and she revamped the show’s focus. Bonet’s character was phased out and relegated to guest appearances beginning in season 3. The show then featured an ensemble cast assortment, with different characters playing lead depending on the episode. This cast included Lou Myers, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Darryl M. Bell, Glynn Turman, Dawnn Lewis, Sinbad, and Guy and Hardison.
This isn’t the first time Netflix has looked to give a popular sitcom the sequel treatment. If everything pans out with A Different World’s next project, it’ll be the second time since That 90’s Show that the streaming giant has put money behind a follow-up to a hit show. That 90’s Show was the sequel to the hit Fox series, That 70’s Show.
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