New Details on the ‘Different World’ Sequel: Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman Return, Plus Tichina Arnold Joins the Fun
The cast of the beloved series A Different World is expanding with the addition of Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman, who portrayed Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor and Col. Bradford Taylor in the original show. The sequel, currently in production in Atlanta, aims to bring fans back to the iconic HBCU setting.
Joining Lewis and Turman will be Tichina Arnold, known for her roles in The Neighborhood and Martin, playing Darlene Duvall. Also featured are Joshua Suiter from All’s Fair as Andre and Raven Goodwin from Grotesquerie and Single Black Female as Dr. Brooklyn Boyer.
With this latest casting, nearly all the major original cast members are returning. This includes Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne, Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert, Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson, Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks, Charnele Brown as Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer, Jenifer Lewis as Professor Davenport, and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lena James. However, notable absentees include Lisa Bonet, Marissa Tomei, Loretta Devine, and Sinbad.
The new series, a 10-episode single-camera production led by showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride, centers on Deborah (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest child of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. As she embarks on her freshman year at Hillman College, Deborah faces the challenge of stepping out of her parents’ shadow while navigating her own path alongside a fresh cohort of Hillman’s promising students.
The cast also features the next generation of Hillman’s finest: Alijah Kai Haggins as Rashida, Cornell Young as Shaquille, Kennedi Reece as Hazel, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Chibuikem Uche as Kojo. Additional cast members include Vincent Jamal Hooper as Ellington, Elijah J. Roberts as Jalen, Renee Harrison as Candace, Famecia Ward as Nellie Gaines, and Dasan Frazier as Xavier.
Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes of the original series, will return to direct three episodes, including the premiere. Writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood are also back as executive producers, alongside Mandy Summers and Tom Werner.
