Drake Gets Real In Upcoming ‘Degrassi: Whatever it Takes’ Documentary

A new documentary is on the way about the sensational teen franchise Degrassi, aptly titled Degrassi: Whatever It Takes.

The initial teaser for the upcoming film launched on August 27, giving fans all the nostalgia. Sitting down in the preview were some of the show’s biggest names, including Nina Dobrev, Jake Epstein, and Grammy-winning rapper Drake, who went from portraying the character Jimmy Brooks on the Degrassi Junior High spinoff series, Degrassi: The Next Generation, to becoming a global superstar.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes looks like it’s serving more of a love letter vibe to the franchise that’s been running for decades than a documentary baiting controversy.

The cast lineup is stacked, featuring Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Amanda and Maureen Deiseach, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto, and Jordan Todosey.

The trailer kicks off with Drake, who everyone remembers as Jimmy Brooks, getting real about his life outside of the show.

He admits that high school wasn’t the best for him in real life, despite his character being popular and well-loved in the Degrassi universe. He never fully fit in, never felt like he had a place. Then, in a plot twist moment, his mom calls to say he landed the role on Degrassi.

He sums it up like a before and after moment in his life: from not belonging anywhere to starting a crazy journey that changed everything.

From there, the trailer shifts to other cast members who open up about their own experiences. What hits hardest is how the storylines on Degrassi; all those messy awkward situations were always real coming of age arcs, not just scripted TV.

The themes of heartbreak, friendship drama, identity struggles and figuring out life out were actually happening both on and off camera.

It blurred the lines between character and reality in a way that made the show feel very authentic, both for the people on screen and for the millions of teens watching at home.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes will premiere on September 13.