Jabari Banks Is the Fresh, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The Peacock reboot of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air titled Bel-Air has just cast its Will—newcomer Jabari Banks.

When news of the reboot first broke out, Banks’ father told him to try it out. Banks explained to his father that that’s not how auditioning works. It’s a few months later, and here he is, retelling this anecdote to Will Smith who just offered him the role.

The entire moment is captured on camera, a video call exchange between Banks and Smith, released by Peacock.

The first few seconds of the video show Banks starstruck seeing Smith on the screen. This elevates to another level when Smith congratulates him on getting the much-coveted role.

In conversations that follow, Banks promises that he is totally ready for the role and to do justice to the show he has watched and loved growing up. He even shows Smith a very endearing photo of his friends and him dressing up as the characters of Fresh Prince in high school. (With a little convincing on his part, he says!) 

Not much is known about newcomer Jabari Banks, who does not have any credited acting roles. But like Smith himself, Banks too was born and raised in Philly. The “New Will” likens his journey of starting from scratch to Smith’s.

Banks does not seem to be very active on social media, too. After the announcement and Will Smith’s follow, his Instagram account blew up overnight.

The reboot took life after writer/director Morgan Cooper released an unofficial Bel-Air trailer, reworking the narrative to fit the turn of the century. Unlike the original, it took a different tone—dark, intense, and ornate in the right amounts.

The viral video not only got executives talking about a reboot, it even secured the show a second season with Peacock.

The upcoming Bel-Air will be rewritten for a new generation as it explores America’s current socio-political landscape. Thanks to his trailer, Cooper has been appointed to direct and produce alongside Smith. From the original series, creators Andy and Susan Borowitz and producers Quincy Jones and Benny Medina will also be returning.

Bel-Air is slated for a 2022 release on Peacock.

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.

Source: YouTube