'The Cheetah spirit' lives on: 'The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen' reunites Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon

"The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen" has been officially greenlit, marking the return of the beloved musical franchise with original stars Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon reprising their iconic roles. Symoné will return as Galleria, while Bailon will reprise her role as Chanel.

The film also features a special appearance from Sabrina Bryan as Dorinda, with Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter returning as Dorothea and Juanita respectively.

Notably, Kiely Williams is not attached to the film at this time.

New and established cast members

As per Variety, joining the franchise is actress Sophia Bush in the role of Jennifré, bringing a new dynamic to the ensemble. The next generation of Cheetah Girls comprises Leah Sava' Jeffries from "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" as Galleria's daughter Faith, Carmen Sanchez from "Electric Bloom" as Chanel's sister Dior, Kaileen Chang as Ruby, Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn, and newcomer Kamogelo Ramashala as Kendi.

Plot and production details

According to the official logline, "The story picks up when Cheetah Girls Galleria and Chanel, alongside Galleria's daughter Faith 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."Production on the film will begin later this month in South Africa, with filming taking place in the country where the narrative unfolds.

The production represents a significant endeavour, bringing together established talent with emerging young performers.

Creative team and production

Debra Martin Chase, the executive producer of the original franchise, returns in that capacity for "Next Gen," joined by Symoné in an executive producing role. Bille Woodruff will direct and co-produce the film, with a script penned by Kara Holden, Sarah Watson, and Deborah Swisher. Bailon serves as a co-producer on the project, maintaining her involvement behind the camera as well as in front of it.

Kyle Hanagami is handling choreography duties.

Studio statement on the franchise's significance

A studio executive commented on the significance of reviving the franchise for a new generation. "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. 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.

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Symoné's return to character roles

This marks Symoné's second significant return to a character role in recent years. Previously she starred in the series 'Raven's Home' for six seasons between 2017 and 2023 which served as a spinoff to her original show 'That's So Raven' from the early 2000s. The new Cheetah Girls film continues her engagement with audiences and character-driven storytelling.

The franchise's history and cultural impact

"The Cheetah Girls" films are based on the book series by Deborah Gregory.

The first film was released as an original movie in 2003 to considerable success, spawning two additional films and a hit soundtrack. Most of the core four cast members went on to tour and record as The Cheetah Girls until 2008. Symoné appeared in the sequel but did not return for the third installment, focusing instead on her solo career.The original franchise helped establish the trend of original musicals in television programming, paving the way for subsequent hits including 'High School Musical', 'Camp Rock', and 'Descendants', all of which have spawned multiple films and expanded universes.'The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen' will premiere on Disney.