Disney announces 'The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen' with Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon reprising roles; production begins in South Africa
Disney has officially greenlit a fourth Cheetah Girls film, The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, with original stars Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon returning. The music-driven movie will go into production in South Africa this month.
Original cast returns
On July 8, Disney confirmed that a fourth Cheetah Girls film is in development, with Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon reprising their roles as Galleria and Chanel. Sabrina Bryan will make a special appearance as Dorinda, while Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter also return as Dorothea and Juanita. Kiely Williams, who played Aqua in the earlier films, is not involved. Sophia Bush joins in a supporting role as Jennifré. The project reunites executive producer Debra Martin Chase with the franchise.
It's happening, and it's CHEETAHLISHIOUS!
New generation, new adventure
The film introduces a younger ensemble: Leah Sava' Jeffries as Galleria's daughter Faith, Carmen Sanchez as Chanel's sister Dior, Kaileen Chang as Ruby, and Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn. South African newcomer Kamogelo Ramashala, discovered through an open casting call, will play Kendi. The plot follows Galleria and Chanel taking Faith and her friends to a wildlife sanctuary in Africa, where they test their friendships and ultimately perform as the new Cheetah Girls.
Behind the camera
Production begins in South Africa this month. Bille Woodruff directs from a script by Kara Holden, Sarah Watson and Deborah Swisher, with choreography by Kyle Hanagami. Disney Kids & Family is producing, with Bailon as co-producer. The film is slated for Disney Channel and Disney+.
Franchise legacy
The first Cheetah Girls premiered in 2003 as a Disney Channel Original Movie and became a ratings hit. The 2006 sequel's soundtrack spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Top Soundtracks chart and reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200. The third film, released in 2008 without Raven, still topped key demo ratings. With Next Gen, the franchise aims to reach a new generation, while honoring its message, as Ayo Davis noted:
The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice. That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today.
