Growl power…The Cheetah Girls are officially coming back with a brand new movie that is slated to hit Disney Channel and Disney+. Per Variety, The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen” has officially been greenlit, and will see the film’s original stars Raven-Symoné, and Adrienne Bailon returning as Galleria and Chanel, alongside Sabrina Bryan, who will make a special appearance as Dorinda, and Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter, who are set to reprise their roles as Dorothea and Juanita. Kiely Williams, who played Aqua, will not be returning. Rather than simple nostalgia bait or a direct script replication, the newly announced project functions as a bold, next-generation franchise reboot aiming to introduce the legendary musical property to a whole new era of young audiences.
Stepping squarely behind the camera as the project’s main creative anchor and executive producer, Symoné is shifting her role from her classic portrayal of Galleria Garibaldi to completely command the visual and musical direction of the incoming portfolio. Under her vision, the reboot focuses heavily on discovering fresh, breakout talent to form a brand-new iteration of the multi-cultural pop outfit, establishing a highly anticipated contemporary launchpad.
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Modernizing a Millennium Milestone
Per Variety, the film’s official synopsis states: states, “The story picks up when Cheetah Girls Galleria (Symoné) and Chanel (Bailon), alongside Galleria’s daughter Faith (Jeffries) and her three friends, travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, these four teen girls test their friendship, find their voice, and discover the true Cheetah spirit as they save the preserve and ultimately take the stage as the new Cheetah Girls.” Additionally, the film will welcome Sophia Bush in the role of Jennifré along with Leah Sava’ Jeffries as Galleria’s daughter Faith, Carmen Sanchez as Chanel’s sister Dior, Kaileen Chang as Ruby, and Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn. Kamogelo Ramashala will play a character named Kendy.
The announcement underscores a massive studio push to legacy-mine high-equity properties from the early 2000s basic cable landscape. For years, major entertainment networks have found stable digital monetization by tapping into childhood nostalgia curves. However, this revival highlights a distinct shift by positioning an original cast legend to steer the creative ship rather than utilizing outside studio management. Aside from Symoné executive producing, Bille Woodruff will direct and co-produce with a script by Kara Holden, Sarah Watson, and Deborah Swisher, while Bailon will also co-produce as well.
“The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family in a statement to Variety, adding, “That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”
Production is slated to begin in South Africa later this month.
Featured Photo: Disney Channel
