After years of talk about bringing back A Different World, Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell doubted the remake would ever happen.
The original stars recently said on the red carpet at the show’s Atlanta premiere that they didn’t believe the long-awaited sequel would move forward.
Summer, who plays Freddie Brooks, had a hilarious response when asked about the new series finally coming together.
“I put my bong down because I couldn’t believe it was true,” the actress said. “You know, they’ve been talking about it for years, and then when you get to year 39, you’re in complete disbelief. So not until we signed on the dotted line did we know it was for real.”
Bell, who portrays Ron Johnson, was just as skeptical.
“I didn’t believe it until they put a contract in front of me. I said, ‘There’s been so much talk for so many years. Until it’s real, it’s not real.’ And once it came, I was ready,” he said.
Related: Tichina Arnold Gushes Over Working With Her Daughter on ‘A Different World’
The Netflix sequel series premiered on Sept. 24, and introduced a new generation of students at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU.
The story centers on Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon. She arrives at Hillman trying to make her own way while living in the shadow of her parents, Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne — played by original stars Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison.
For Summer, the show’s return brought plenty to celebrate.
“In 2026, Hillman College is Blacker and more beautiful than ever, baby,” she said.
Bell said viewers would also notice a change in how the show looks.
“It’s so different. That’s the whole point of the sequel to try to reimagine what Hillman could look like for this next generation. So, just the fact that we’re doing single camera as opposed to four camera video, it looks so much more cinematic,” he shared.
Their characters have moved into new chapters too. Freddie is now a law professor at Hillman who also runs her own practice, while Ron is managing his son Shaquille’s promising football career.
Their stories will likely continue. Netflix announced a season 2 renewal on Oct. 2, just over a week after the premiere.
The next season will follow Deborah and her classmates into their sophomore year, with new romances, changing friendships and unfinished business.
A premiere date for the new season will be announced later.
Check out the red carpet interviews below:
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