Felicia Pride To Introduce Another "Different World"
- Taylor Carey
- Aug 8, 2024
- 2 min read
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.
(Gary Null, NBC.)
Originally, A Different World aired as a spin-off of The Cosby Show on NBC for six seasons. The sitcom became a cultural touchstone 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.
(Paul Drinkwater, NBC.)
Whitley and Dwayne's relationship became a central storyline, captivating audiences with their dynamic and evolving romance. Whitley’s sassy persona and Dwayne’s classic style became iconic aspects of their characters. Dwayne's proposal to Whitley in the memorable season five episode "Save the Best For Last" marked the culmination of their love story. The series finale revealed Whitley's unexpected pregnancy and the couple's plan to move to Japan, providing fans with a poignant ending.
Dwayne and Whitley's youngest daughter navigating throughout Hillman College will be the focal point in the new series. Although casting has not yet begun, positive responses have been met in discussions with original cast members about their potential involvement. This project also reunites Allen, Werner, Gina, and Reggie Bythewood, who all worked on the original series.
Throughout the years, a continuation of the series has been in various stages of development but was paused for multiple reasons, including the legal issues surrounding Bill Cosby, the creator of A Different World.
Earlier this year, the cast of "A Different World" came together on "Today" and "The View" to commemorate the show's enduring influence and legacy. In February, they launched a 10-city tour, visiting various HBCUs to encourage student enrollment and emphasize the significance of historically Black colleges and universities.
Prior to selling the pilot to Netflix, Pride worked as a supervising producer on the third season of Peacock's hit series Bel-Air, a dramatic reimagining of Will Smith's Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She also served as a writer and producer on ABC’s hit medical drama Grey's Anatomy, created by Shonda Rhimes.
Currently, she’s developing the series Livelihood, based on her spec, for Netflix, and Seven Days in June for Amazon. Her production company Honey Chile Entertainment is executive producing and writing the Lifetime original movie Black Magick. Previously, she was a writer on Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar for multiple seasons.
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