‘A Different World’ Star Cornell Young IV Turns Heads in Striking New Press Photos

Netflix’s return to Hillman College has introduced audiences to a fresh class of students, and one of them is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Cornell Young IV, who plays Shaquille in the ‘A Different World’ sequel, has been making the rounds on the press circuit, and his style is getting just as much attention as his performance.

The series is a follow-up to the NBC sitcom that ran from 1987 to 1993, which was itself a spinoff of ‘The Cosby Show’. The new show follows Deborah, the youngest daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, as she begins her freshman year at the historically Black college. Now, a new set of promotional photos has fans buzzing. Young posed for a shoot captured by photographer DREWVISIONS as part of his ‘A Different World’ press run.

In the photos, the actor wears an all-cream ensemble featuring a loose white shirt with printed scarf accents, wide-leg trousers, and sleek white pointed boots. He finished the look with layered gold chains and his hair styled high, posing on a carpeted staircase for a relaxed yet polished vibe.

Cornell Young IV for ‘A DIFFERENT WORLD’ press

📸: DREWVISIONS pic.twitter.com/XAEqDH8gjd

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 26, 2026

Fans were quick to react, with one reply joking that he clearly knows how good he looks. The shoot has only added to the growing buzz surrounding the young cast. In the sequel, Young plays Shaquille Johnson, a childhood friend of Deborah who has become a serious NFL prospect and fellow Hillman freshman.

The Hollywood Reporter noted that much of Deborah’s trouble often involves Shaquille, who happens to be the son of Ron Johnson, Whitley and Dwayne’s old college buddy played by Darryl M. Bell.

Cornell Young IV and his twin brother David stun at the 'A Different World' sequel show Premiere

Coming to Netflix September 24 pic.twitter.com/i6zY6vJbeI

— sitcom crave (@sitcomcrave) September 22, 2026

Young previously appeared in ‘Doing Life’, and he was among the 6 series regulars first announced for the project’s pilot. Joining him are Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, Alijah Kai as Rashida, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel.

Young has credited the original show’s veterans for helping him settle into the role. Speaking with PEOPLE at Netflix’s End of Summer Bash in Los Angeles, he said Debbie Allen took the new cast under her wing immediately, creating a sense of family and protection he rarely feels in the industry.

The official trailer for ‘A DIFFERENT WORLD’ has been released.

Premiering September 24 on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/kye2sIFCrY

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 17, 2026

He also explained that whenever doubts crept in, Allen assured him he had been hired for a reason. Allen, who directed and produced the original series, returned to direct the premiere and executive produce the sequel.

The new generation isn’t alone at Hillman. Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison reprise their roles as Whitley and Dwayne, with Whitley now a cosmetics mogul and Dwayne serving as the school provost.

Other returning stars include Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks, Charnele Brown as Kim, Dawnn Lewis, and Glynn Turman. Method Man also joins the cast as Coach Coles. The series was created by showrunner Felicia Pride, with Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Mandy Summers serving as executive producers.

Pride has described the project as an honor, calling the original a show she grew up on that had a profound impact on her life. Early reviews have been encouraging. The Hollywood Reporter praised the sequel for taking the beloved classic into a lively new era with charm and smarts to spare.

‘A Different World’ premiered on Netflix on September 24. With stylish press moments like this one, Young is making a strong case as one of the breakout names from Hillman’s newest class.

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