More than two decades after The Cheetah Girls became a defining Disney Channel franchise, fans are finally getting the reunion they have hoped for. Disney has officially greenlit The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, with Raven-Symoné returning both in front of and behind the camera. The actress will reprise her role as Galleria Garibaldi while also serving as an executive producer on the project.
The announcement marks the first new film in the franchise since 2008’s The Cheetah Girls: One World. That installment featured Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams, but Raven-Symoné did not appear after previously stepping away from the series.
This latest chapter brings several familiar faces back together while introducing a new generation of aspiring performers. Production is expected to begin in South Africa later this month.
Original Stars Return Alongside New Generation
Raven-Symoné will once again portray ambitious songwriter Galleria. Adrienne Bailon is also returning as Chanel, while Sabrina Bryan will make a special appearance as Dorinda. Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter are set to reprise their roles as Dorothea Garibaldi and Juanita Simmons.
The film introduces a younger cast led by Leah Sava Jeffries as Faith, Galleria’s daughter. Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang, Sophie Lennon and Kamogelo Ramashala round out the new group of teenage performers.
According to Disney’s synopsis, Galleria and Chanel travel to Africa with Faith and her friends to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, the teenagers discover their voices, strengthen their friendships and ultimately become the next generation of Cheetah Girls.
Director Bille Woodruff, who helmed the original 2003 film and its first sequel, is returning to direct the new installment. Debra Martin Chase, who produced the original trilogy, also returns as an executive producer.
Raven-Symoné Previously Hinted at a Return
The official announcement follows years of speculation about whether the beloved franchise would ever continue. Raven-Symoné had previously suggested that discussions were taking place without revealing specific plans.
In a 2024 interview, she reflected on the cultural impact of the series and expressed optimism about its future.
“Another moment in culture that gave girl power, that gave fashion, that gave songs — I’m very blessed to be a part of that,” Raven-Symoné said. “And can’t wait to see what the future holds with that. It’s gonna be interesting to see what the future holds in regards to the Cheetah Girls.”
She also spoke about what a reunion could represent for younger audiences.
“If something happened where the Cheetah Girls came back together on screen,” she said, “a whole new generation of women would be able to witness the importance of girl community.”
“I think girls are more like, ‘I got you, girl,’ and to be able to mirror that back in such an iconic, cool, innovative way that screams Cheetah … I mean, I’d be a part of it.”
The original Cheetah Girls premiered in 2003 and quickly became one of Disney Channel’s most successful musical franchises. It expanded beyond television into chart-topping soundtracks, concert tours and merchandise. The films also helped launch the acting and music careers of several cast members while promoting themes of friendship, confidence and perseverance.
Disney says those themes will remain central to The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen. The new film aims to introduce the franchise to younger viewers while honoring the legacy that made the original movies a pop culture phenomenon.