Bel-Air, the dark reboot of Will Smith’s iconic comedy series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is nearing its finale. But the craze for it refuses to die down, especially when the audience knows they’ll soon have a Season 2.
In a recent interview with Collider, co-writer and the OG visionary Morgan Cooper discussed the freedom to write and explore the series better, knowing Peacock gave him a two-series order.
Cooper, who also helms the show from the director’s seat, was filled with gratitude for people believing in him and his vision throughout the interview. Specifically, it was Peacock that helped him open his mind to various possibilities after signing the show for two seasons.
It was really amazing, the fact that Peacock believed enough in this vision to grant us a two-season order. That’s really helpful because we know that we have two seasons to write to.
Cooper also shared that with the potential the rebooted characters had, having only one season would’ve shaped their story differently. But letting them know beforehand about a two-part series helped him and his fellow writers a lot.
If it’s just one season, then that can and shape the way that you approach some of the storytelling. Knowing that we have that runway has just been super beneficial in allowing us to really open our minds to the possibilities, knowing that we’re writing two seasons instead of one. We see so much potential in these characters.
Morgan Cooper
Bel-Air Season 1 is all set to greet viewers with its final episode on March 31, promising more trouble, drama, and open-ended questions.
One person who has emerged victorious is the lead actor and debutante, Jabari Banks. The newcomer had to fill in the hefty shoes of the legendary actor and character, Will Smith, and he has done so with gusto and critical acclaim.
In the interview, Cooper also shared how difficult it was to find the right lead. He compared the search to “looking for a unicorn.”
I had to have seen hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of auditions, to try to find this kid because you need a unicorn. With the size of the shoes that they’re filling and the real Will Smith, you need a young man who has all the charisma, the swagger, the dramatic chops and the vulnerability in their eyes, to create those really compelling, dramatic moments.”
Morgan Cooper
Cooper even praised Banks, calling him “fearless” and “the right Will.” Banks’ confidence on the set and his craft has led the showrunner to believe he found the right person.
With the audience loving the darker, more intense reboot, and finding Cooper worthy of narrating a classic in his own way, it will remain to be seen what the finale of Bel-Air holds.
About Bel-Air
Bel-Air is an American drama television series developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, TJ Brady, and Rasheed Newson. It is a reimagined version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . In March 2023, it was renewed for a third season.
The series stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith, with Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Olly Sholotan, Jimmy Akingbola, Akira Akbar, Jordan L Jones, and Simone Joy Jones.
The story follows Will Smith’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. It dives deep into racial tension, culture shock, and black excellence.
News Source: Collider
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