Actor Jabari Banks has been cast as the lead role in Bel-Air, Peacock’s dramatic reimagining of classic Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Banks is a West Philadelphian who’s fresh to the world of acting, having graduated college with a BA in musical theatre just before the pandemic hit.
A video posted by Peacock shows Banks being surprised on a video call by Will Smith, who informs him that he’s been cast as the lead, Will, in Bel-Air. Banks promised he was “so ready” for the role, even showing off a picture of himself and a group of friends dressed up as the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The original role is a personal one for Smith–not only was it the role that kickstarted his acting career, the character was also loosely based on him, even bearing the same name. With that in mind, it’s great to see that Smith was able to pass the baton onto the next generation’s Will personally, if not in person.
“This is a dream come true. You don’t know,” Banks said during the call. “You probably do know. You feel it. Like, the way the show has impacted me and my life. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”
The reboot, simply titled “Bel-Air,” is looking to be quite different from the original sitcom. The reimagining is based on a viral YouTube video that put a more serious, dramatic spin on the original show’s concept.
