The Cheetah Girls are officially making a comeback!
More than 20 years after the beloved Disney Channel franchise first captured the hearts of fans, Disney has greenlit “The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen,” the fourth installment in the hit musical series. The new film will reunite original stars while introducing a fresh generation of Cheetahs.
Leading the return is Raven-Symoné, who will reprise her iconic role as Galleria Garibaldi. She will also serve as an executive producer alongside longtime franchise producer Debra Martin Chase. Adrienne Bailon-Houghton is also returning as Chanel Simmons, while Sabrina Bryan will make a special appearance as Dorinda Thomas. Original cast members Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter are also set to reprise their roles.
The story shifts the spotlight to a new generation of aspiring performers. Rising stars Leah Sava Jeffries, Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang, Sophie Lennon, and South African newcomer Kamogelo Ramashala will lead the next chapter. Jeffries plays Faith, Galleria’s daughter, while Sanchez portrays Dior, Chanel’s younger sister.
According to the official synopsis, Galleria and Chanel travel to Africa with Faith, Dior, and two of their friends to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, the teens discover the importance of friendship, self-confidence, and teamwork as they work together to save the preserve before eventually becoming the next generation of Cheetah Girls.
The film will be directed by Billie Woodruff, who helmed the original The Cheetah Girls movies. Production is scheduled to begin this month in South Africa, with the movie set to premiere on Disney Channel and Disney+ at a later date. A release date has not yet been announced.
The original The Cheetah Girls franchise became one of Disney Channel’s biggest successes, launching hit soundtracks, sold-out tours, and inspiring a generation with its message of friendship, empowerment, and chasing your dreams. Now, Disney hopes The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen will introduce that same “Cheetah-licious” spirit to a whole new audience.
