Drake and his fellow alumni from the beloved Canadian teen drama, "Degrassi," have converged to revisit the enduring legacy of the iconic series in the tantalizing trailer of the upcoming documentary, "Degrassi: Whatever It Takes," masterfully directed by the talented Lisa Rideout. On Wednesday, WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment unveiled the mesmerizing preview, paving the way for the film's grand global premiere on September 13th at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, promising a nostalgic journey back to the halls of Degrassi.
Joining Drake in this nostalgic journey, the documentary promises intimate and insightful interviews with an ensemble of stars, including Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Amanda Deiseach, Maureen Deiseach, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto, and Jordan Todosey.
The preview commences with Drake baring his soul: "High school wasn't my finest hour. I never truly felt at home." His narrative then pivots to the thrilling moment when he learned he had secured the role of Jimmy Brooks. "One day, my mom called, exclaiming, 'You've got the part!' I grabbed my belongings and bolted out the door, oblivious to the fact that this was the dawn of an exhilarating adventure," he reminisces with fondness.
The beloved "Degrassi" franchise embarked with "Kids of Degrassi Street," which aired from 1979 to 1986, and evolved through various iterations such as "Degrassi Junior High" and "Degrassi High." The revolutionary "Degrassi: The Next Generation" premiered in 2001, featuring Drake, Grimes-Beech, Nina Dobrev, and other budding stars on the cusp of fame. Although the series concluded in 2015, the franchise lived on with "Degrassi: Next Class," streaming on Netflix from 2016 to 2017.
As the trailer unravels, Grimes-Beech ponders over her meteoric rise as a shining star of the series, while Brogren emphasizes how the youthful ensemble ascended to become authentic teen idols. Amidst the plethora of avenues opened up by the show, Stepto confides in the venomous backlash she encountered from avid fans over particular contentious story arcs. "There are moments when you yearn for more than just being etched in memory solely for 'Degrassi.' I think we all aspired to transcend its confines," Brogren echoes in a separate interview, encapsulating the collective ambitions of the cast.
The show's creator, Linda Schuyler, also contributes to the预告片, reflecting on the enduring impact of the series. "Have we always hit the mark? Perhaps not. But have we recounted our stories with unwavering sincerity? Absolutely," she asserts, acknowledging the show's more contentious narratives, such as teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and mental health.
Executive produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts, and Angela Boudreault for WildBrain, and by Carrie Mudd for Peacock Alley, "Degrassi: Whatever It Takes" is not only directed by Rideout but also co-written by her alongside Celine Wong. The documentary promises a deep dive into the heart and soul of the iconic Canadian teen drama, bringing back memories and emotions that will resonate with fans worldwide.
