Image of Will Smith after letting out the longest “Yo!”Screenshot: Peacock/Youtube
From West Philadelphia born and raised, comes the new Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Jabari Banks. The Philly native and television newcomer will take on the role of Will in the new dramatic series, Bel-Air, which reimagines the 1990s sitcom that starred Will Smith. The show’s original Will surprised Banks with news that he got the role in a video shared today.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions, and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show. There’s none of Carlton’s signature dance and Uncle Phil takes on an even more authoritative role, because “life ain’t like a sitcom.” If there’s something networks seem set on making, it’s dramaticreimaginings of ‘90s teen comedy series, and Peacock wants in.
Bel-Airreceived a two-season order from Peacock in September 2020. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (The Chi, The 100) serve as executive producers and co-showrunners. Cooper directs and serves as co-writer and executive producer. Banks takes on his first television role for Bel-Air, snagging the role after graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia last year.
