The beloved Disney franchise, The Cheetah Girls, is set to make a grand comeback with a new film titled The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen. This upcoming addition continues the legacy of the iconic 2003 original, which captured the hearts of many young viewers and launched a successful musical group.
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Disney has confirmed that original cast members Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and Sabrina Bryan will reprise their roles in this latest installment. The trio, now in their forties, will return as Galleria, Chanel, and Dorinda, respectively. Interestingly, Lynn Whitfield is also slated to return as Galleria’s mother, Dorothea, and Lori Alter will reprise her role as Chanel’s mother, Juanita. However, Kiely Williams, who played Aqua in the original film, is not included in the cast for the new project.
Filming for The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen is expected to commence later this month in South Africa, as announced by Disney Branded Television. Raven-Symoné will not only act in the film but also serves as an executive producer alongside Debra Martin Chase, who was integral to the production of the first three Cheetah Girls movies.
The fresh narrative will introduce a new ensemble of characters, featuring young talents such as Leah Sava’ Jeffries as Faith, Galleria’s daughter, Carmen Sanchez as Chanel’s sister, Dior, Kaileen Chang as Ruby, Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn, and Kamogelo Ramashala as Kendi. The film is also expected to include a supporting role for actress Sophia Bush as Jennifré.
An official synopsis reveals that the plot will follow Galleria and Chanel as they embark on a journey to Africa with Faith and her friends to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Throughout the adventure, the young girls are challenged to strengthen their friendships, find their individual voices, and embody the true essence of the Cheetah spirit. Their experiences ultimately lead them to take the stage as the exciting new Cheetah Girls.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, commented on the project’s potential impact, stating, “The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice. That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”
The direction of the film will be handled by Billie Woodruff, whose previous credits include the hit series Bridgerton. The screenplay will be co-written by Kara Holden, Sarah Watson, and Deborah Swisher, while the choreography will be crafted by Kyle Hanagami. Woodruff will also co-produce alongside Bailon-Houghton.
The Cheetah Girls franchise gained substantial popularity after the release of the original movie, leading to two sequels: The Cheetah Girls 2 in 2006 and The Cheetah Girls: One World in 2008. The films not only featured catchy music but also emphasized themes of friendship, empowerment, and perseverance.
Previous discussions about a possible revival of the Cheetah Girls have shown enthusiasm among the original cast. In May 2025, Bryan expressed her eagerness to reunite with her fellow cast members, highlighting the positive messages the franchise has shared over the years. Raven-Symoné echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the significance of the Cheetah Girls and their cultural impact, particularly in promoting female empowerment and camaraderie.
Bailon-Houghton has previously shared insights on what a potential reboot might entail, indicating that their characters could take on parental roles as they navigate new relationships within the storyline. She noted that their mothers played a pivotal part in their journeys in the first films, and it could be fascinating to explore how that dynamic shifts to the next generation.
While a release date for The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen has not yet been announced, fans can relive the nostalgic experience of the original trilogy which is available for streaming on Disney+. This new instalment promises to bridge the gap between generations, allowing both old and new fans to discover the magic of The Cheetah Girls once again.