Grammy-winning singer and actressBrandy will perform the theme song for Netflix’s upcoming A Different World sequel series, putting her own spin on the song that opened the original sitcom.
Brandy told Netflix’s Tudum that she watched the series as a child and that it helped her imagine a future for herself. She also credited the show with inspiring her interest in acting.
“When they called me to do the theme song, I was so blown away,” Brandy said. “First of all, I had to gather myself that the show was actually coming back, because I’m a fan.”
Aretha Franklin performed the theme during much of the original series’ run. Brandy’s version will keep the original lyrics while introducing a new musical arrangement.
Brandy said the original is “hard to top” and that she hopes to do Franklin’s version justice.
The sequel follows Deborah Wayne, the daughter of original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she begins her freshman year at the fictional HBCU Hillman College. Maleah Joi Moon will play Deborah, while original stars Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy are returning as her parents.
The new series is also bringing back other familiar faces, including Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summerand Darryl M. Bell. Lewis, who co-wrote the original theme song, will return as a guest star.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Hardison said he still regularly hears from people who chose to attend HBCUs because of A Different World. He said he continues to be surprised by the show’s impact on viewers, including people who say it influenced the direction of their lives.
The 10-episode sequel premieres September 24 on Netflix.
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