Jada Pinkett Smith is heading back to Hillman College. The actress will reprise her iconic role as Lena James in Netflix's highly anticipated reboot of 'A Different World,' the beloved '90s sitcom that originally spun off from 'The Cosby Show.' Pinkett Smith joined the original series in its final seasons and became a fan favorite, making her return a major draw for both nostalgic viewers and a new generation discovering the show. The reboot is expected to follow a new class of students at the historically Black college while weaving in legacy characters. Netflix has been aggressively pursuing classic sitcom revivals, and 'A Different World' - which tackled issues of race, identity, and education with humor and heart - feels especially timely in 2026. Production details remain under wraps, but sources indicate filming could begin as early as this summer. The original series ran from 1987 to 1993 and remains one of the most culturally significant Black sitcoms in television history.