Leah Sava’ Jeffries is preparing for a journey to Africa as she undertakes her latest cinematic endeavor.
The young actress, known for her role in “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” is set to portray Faith, the daughter of Galleria in “The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen.” This exciting continuation has received the green light from both Disney Channel and Disney+.
Jeffries is joining a vibrant ensemble that blends beloved returning characters with fresh faces. Raven-Symoné is reprising her iconic role as Galleria and is also stepping behind the scenes as an executive producer. She’s teaming up with Debra Martin Chase, the producer of all three original “The Cheetah Girls” films. Adrienne Bailon returns to her role as Chanel and additionally takes on the role of co-producer. At the helm is director Bille Woodruff, who is also co-producing the project.
More familiar faces are back, with Lynn Whitfield returning as Dorothea and Lori Alter reprising her role as Juanita. Sabrina Bryan will make a special appearance as Dorinda, while Sophia Bush joins the adventure in a new role as Jennié.
Leading this new wave of Cheetah Girls with Jeffries is Carmen Sanchez, known for “Electric Bloom,” in the role of Chanel’s sister, Dior. Additionally, Kaileen Chang will star as Ruby, Sophie Lennon steps into the shoes of Brooklyn, and South African newcomer Kamogelo Ramashala completes the line-up as Kendi.
The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen follows Galleria and Chanel as they travel to Africa with Faith and her three friends for a volunteer trip at a wildlife sanctuary. When the preserve is threatened, the girls must work together to protect it before becoming the next generation of Cheetah Girls.
Since debuting in 2003, The Cheetah Girls has become one of Disney Channel’s most successful movie franchises. The original film was the highest-rated movie on broadcast or cable television at the time of its premiere. The Cheetah Girls 2 followed with record-setting ratings in 2006, and The Cheetah Girls: One World continued the franchise’s success when it debuted in 2008.
A release date for The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen has not yet been announced. Filming begins in South Africa this month.