Netflix’s upcoming A Different World continuation is bringing familiar faces back to Hillman College, officially confirming that several original cast members will reprise their roles in the new series.
Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell are all set to return, per People.
Guy will once again play Whitley Gilbert Wayne, while Hardison returns as Dwayne Wayne, the fan-favorite couple whose relationship became central to the original series.
Cree Summer is back as Winifred “Freddie” Brooks, and Darryl M. Bell will reprise his role as Ronald “Ron” Johnson. All four are expected to appear as recurring characters.
Showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride, alongside Debbie Allen—who produced, directed, and starred in the original series—described the reboot as a true continuation rather than a reimagining.
In a joint statement, they said the return of the legacy cast was designed to honor the show’s history while placing those characters into storylines that reflect the present day.
They added that viewers will see how these characters have evolved, with additional surprises planned for longtime fans as the season unfolds.
Over six seasons, the series became a defining portrait of Black college life, blending humor with storylines about identity, ambition, and social issues. The love story between Whitley and Dwayne remains one of the most recognizable arcs in sitcom history.
The Netflix series shifts focus to a new generation. At the center is Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert Wayne. As Deborah begins her freshman year at Hillman, she’s tasked with carving out her own path while navigating the expectations that come with her parents’ legacy.
Deborah’s classmates introduce the new core ensemble, including Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel. Together, they form the next wave of Hillman students, grounding the series in present-day campus life.
The single-camera comedy has been ordered for 10 half-hour episodes. Production is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, running from early February through late April. A premiere date has not yet been announced.