Full Breakdown
Sophie Lennon Cast in Disney’s “The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen”
7/14/2026, 11:56:50 AM
Revival of the Cheetah Girls Franchise
The original 2003 Disney Channel movie introduced four New York teens who formed a pop group, spawning two sequels in 2006 and 2008. More than two decades later, Disney is rebooting the series with a fresh cast—Leah Sava Jeffries, Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang, and Lennon—who travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary before performing as the new Cheetah Girls.
Audition Competition and Selection
Disney’s worldwide talent search required each applicant to submit a self-tape demonstrating singing, dancing, and acting. Of the estimated 300,000 hopefuls, only four were chosen for on-screen roles, highlighting the extraordinary selectivity of the process and the breadth of talent evaluated.
Official Statements & Responses
Lennon described the casting call as a life-changing moment, emphasizing the emotional impact of the offer and her determination to embrace the role. She noted the intensive daily schedule in Cape Town, which includes choreography, studio recordings, script work, costume fittings, and guitar lessons, and expressed optimism about future music opportunities, despite pending record-deal discussions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I genuinely thought I had no chance,” she said. “So when I got the callback about a week later, I was completely shocked.” — Sophie Lennon
- “I don't think I've ever cried so hard in my whole life.” — Sophie Lennon
- “I just thought, there's no way this is happening because I'm just a typical Irish girl, and then suddenly I'm flying to LA for a screen test in a Disney movie” — Sophie Lennon
- “Every morning I wake up thinking, 'Oh my goodness, this is so insane'.” — Sophie Lennon
- “She's determined and she never gives up.” — Sophie Lennon (referring to her character Brooklyn)
- “If you want something badly enough, if you work hard enough, and if you never give up, you really can get there.” — Sophie Lennon
