Netflix is in the early stages of developing a sequel to the beloved series ‘A Different World,’ focusing on the daughter of iconic characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, sources tell Deadline. The project is spearheaded by writer/executive producer Felicia Pride alongside executive producers Debbie Allen, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood, Tom Werner, and Mandy Summers.
Despite the exciting news, Netflix has declined to comment on the project.
The original A Different World, a spin-off of The Cosby Show, aired on NBC for six seasons and became a cultural touchstone, especially within the Black community. The show initially followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her peers at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. After Bonet’s departure post-season one, the series retooled and brought characters Whitley Gilbert, played by Jasmine Guy, and Dwayne Wayne, portrayed by Kadeem Hardison, to the forefront. The series also starred Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer and Glynn Turman.
Whitley and Dwayne’s relationship became a central storyline, captivating audiences with their dynamic and evolving romance. Dwayne’s signature flip-up glasses and Whitley’s sassy demeanor became iconic elements of their characters. Their love story culminated in the memorable season five episode “Save the Best For Last,” where Dwayne proposes to Whitley. The series finale revealed Whitley’s unexpected pregnancy and the couple’s plan to move to Japan, leaving fans with a poignant ending.
The new series will chronicle the experiences of Dwayne and Whitley’s youngest daughter as she navigates her time at Hillman College. Although casting has not yet begun, there have been discussions with original cast members about their potential involvement, with positive responses reported.This project also serves as a reunion for Allen, Werner, Gina, and Reggie Bythewood who all worked on the original series.
Earlier this year, the cast of A Different World reunited on Today and The View to celebrate the show’s lasting impact and legacy. In February, they embarked on a 10-city tour, visiting numerous HBCUs to promote student enrollment and highlight the importance of historically Black colleges and universities.
The sequel follows a similar pattern to another Carsey-Werner classic, That ’70s Show, which also received a Netflix sequel focusing on the original characters’ offspring, titled That ’90s Show.
Felicia Pride, before selling the pilot to Netflix, served as supervising producer on Bel-Air and was involved with Grey’s Anatomy. She is also developing Livelihood for Netflix and Seven Days in June for Amazon. Her production company, Honey Chile Entertainment, is behind the Lifetime original movie Black Magick.