Disney Greenlights “The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen” – A New Chapter for the Beloved Franchise

Disney announced on July 8, 2026 that a fourth *Cheetah Girls* film, The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, has been greenlit for both Disney Channel and Disney+. Original stars Raven-Symoné (as Galleria) and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (as Chanel) will reprise their roles, with Sabrina Bryan returning for a special appearance as Dorinda. New cast members include Leah Sava’ Jeffries (Faith, Galleria’s daughter), Carmen Sanchez (Dior, Chanel’s sister), Kaileen Chang (Ruby), Sophie Lennon (Brooklyn), Kamogelo Ramashala (Kendi), and Sophia Bush (Jennifré). Production is slated to begin later this month in South Africa. The project is directed by Billie Woodruff, co-produced by Woodruff and Bailon-Houghton, and executive-produced by Symoné and veteran Disney producer Debra Martin Chase. Choreography will be handled by Kyle Hanagami.

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The *Cheetah Girls* franchise originated from Deborah Gregory’s book series and debuted as a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2003. The first film’s success spawned two sequels—*The Cheetah Girls 2* (2006) and *The Cheetah Girls: One World* (2008)—and a real-world recording group that toured until 2008. The series helped establish Disney’s musical-film formula, paving the way for later hits such as *High School Musical*, *Camp Rock*, and *Descendants*.

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• Returning talent: Raven-Symoné (Galleria), Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (Chanel), Sabrina Bryan (Dorinda), Lynn Whitfield (Dorothea), Lori Alter (Juanita).

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• New talent: Leah Sava’ Jeffries (Faith), Carmen Sanchez (Dior), Kaileen Chang (Ruby), Sophie Lennon (Brooklyn), Kamogelo Ramashala (Kendi), Sophia Bush (Jennifré).

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• Production leadership: Debra Martin Chase (executive producer), Raven-Symoné (executive producer), Billie Woodruff (director, co-producer), Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (co-producer), Kyle Hanagami (choreographer).

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Filming is set to commence in South Africa in July 2026. No premiere date has been disclosed, and Disney has confirmed that the original three *Cheetah Girls* movies remain available for streaming on Disney+. The new film’s logline describes a plot in which Galleria, Chanel, Faith, and three friends travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary, test their friendship, and ultimately perform as the new Cheetah Girls.

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Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis emphasized the franchise’s enduring themes, noting that the “spirit” of friendship, music, and empowerment “still resonates today” and that introducing a fresh group of young stars “allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.” Executive producer Debra Martin Chase highlighted the return of original talent as a bridge between generations, while Symoné described the project as a chance to “bring the Cheetah message to a whole new generation of women.”

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• “The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music and empowering young people to use their voice,” — Ayo Davis, President, Disney Kids & Family

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• “I would love to. I would love to get more of the Cheetah message out there because I’ve just seen what it’s done so far already,” — Sabrina Bryan, Actress (People, May 2025)

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• “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, Actress (Entertainment Tonight, Feb 2024)

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• “Raven and I would now be the parents, which our mothers in the film were best friends, and then we were best friends.” — Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Actress (People)

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• “I think now it’s starting to change a little bit. 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.” — Raven-Symoné, Actress (Entertainment Tonight)

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The announced cast does not include Kiely Williams, who portrayed Aqua in the original film; no official explanation has been provided. Additionally, Disney has not set a release window, leaving the premiere date uncertain.

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*The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen* represents Disney’s effort to revitalize a franchise that helped define early-2000s musical programming while aiming to reflect contemporary themes of friendship and female empowerment for today’s diverse youth audience.

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