Netflix has set the stage for six young stars to lead the next chapter of A Different World. The series, following Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert’s daughter at a historically Black college or university (HBCU), will feature the following young actors:
- Chibuikem Uche: Playing the role of Kojo, Uche is a Harvard University graduate best known for his roles in One of Us is Lying, The Tomorrow War, Paradise and All American. He’s also set to appear in a future episode of The Night Agent and You Don’t Belong Here.
- Maleah Joi Moon: Stepping into the shoes of Deborah, the Franklin Township, New Jersey native has a background in theater. Most notably, she won a Tony Award for her performance as Ali in the Alicia Keys-produced Hell’s Kitchen.
- Cornell Young IV: Riding high off of his two-episode stint in Netflix’s Forever, Young IV will play the role of Shaquille in Netflix’s production of the A Different World spinoff.
- Jordan Aaron Hall: The Harlem World native is a triple threat as an actor, singer and writer/ director. He will display his skillset as Amir in Netflix’s A Different World follow-up.
- Alijah Kai: As the daughter of actress Tichina Arnold, Kai is no stranger to Hollywood. She earned her first acting credit in 2008 on Everybody Hates Chris and has gone on to appear in Survivor’s Remorse, Can You Feel The Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story and Abducted at an HBCU Story: A Black Girl Missing Story. She will play the role of Rashida.
- Kennedi McClure: Playing the role of Hazel, this rising Howard University senior made her name in musical theater.
The spinoff series will be led by Felicia Pride with support from executive producers Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Bythewood. Pride is best known as the author of Patterson Heights and has written from Grey’s Anatomy and Queen Sugar.
