“A Different World’s ”Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison on Returning for the Sequel: Don’t ‘Gatekeep the Good S--t’(Exclusive)

Key Points:

• Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison reprise their roles as Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne in the Netflix sequel to "A Different World," premiering September 24, which also introduces a new generation of Hillman College students alongside legacy characters.
• The original series, a spinoff of "The Cosby Show," aired from 1987 to 1993 and became influential for its portrayal of life at a fictional historically Black college, inspiring many viewers to attend HBCUs.
• The sequel was filmed on location in Atlanta with significant involvement from local HBCU students as extras, enhancing the authenticity of the setting compared to the original's Los Angeles soundstage.
• Guy and Hardison reflect on the strong off-screen chemistry and enduring friendships formed during the original series, noting changes such as the absence of a live studio audience in the new show.
• While some fans are resistant to the reboot, Hardison encourages openness to the new generation's story, emphasizing the importance of allowing fresh perspectives while honoring the original's legacy.