‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Reboot: Real-World Banks to Replace Fictional Will Smith

“You’ve got a fantastic road ahead of you, and I am looking forward to being an asset for you in this process as you build out your life and build out your career.”

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ was one of the much-loved 90s sitcom television series’ in America. The show in its initial stage was able to hook the American audience, creating a cult. Though it appealed to the imagination of the American black community, in particular, The Fresh Prince became a household name across communities back in the 90s. The show mainly revolves around Will Smith (Will Smith) and Philip Banks (James Avery). Mr. Smith, even being a newcomer, delivers a cracking performance, launching his career as an international film star. Mr. Avery, then in his 50s, plays a promising role, making him a star. Famous as ‘Uncle Phil’, Mr. Avery predominantly appeals to black teens’ imagination, given how his character fondly takes care of his wife’s nephew, Will Smith. The punch line ‘everyone needs an Uncle Phil’ was the result of Mr. Avery’s unwavering performance; a class apart.

The Banks family has six members and a butler, Geoffrey, played by Joseph Marcell. The members include Vivian Banks (Janet Louise Hubert & Daphne Maxwell Reid), Hilary Banks (Karyn Parsons), Carlton Banks (Alfonso Ribeiro), Ashley Banks (Tatyana Ali), and Nicky Banks (Ross Bagley).

The story depicts how a loving uncle takes care of his wife’s quirky nephew (Will Smith), who migrates from Philadelphia to California (Bel-Air) to avoid trouble at home. He studies at Bel-Air Academy with his cousins.

The makers of The Fresh Prince are all set to reboot the show after over 30 years with Jabari Banks replacing Will Smith.

Jabari Banks joining the crew is a mere coincidence as he is going to be a part of the fictional Banks family. This somehow links fiction with reality. Real-world Banks will be a part of the fictional Banks family.

Recently, Mr. Smith confirmed Mr. Banks’ arrival. “It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, to be on with you, and from the deepest parts of my heart I want to say congratulations to you.”

“You have the role of Will on Bel-Air.” Mr. Smith was quoted as saying by BBC.

In response, Mr. Banks said, “I am ready, I am so ready.” Apparently, his father suggested him to play Will’s role as he had read an article about the show reboot. “This is a dream come true,” Mr. Banks added.

“You’ve got a fantastic road ahead of you, and I am looking forward to being an asset for you in this process as you build out your life and build out your career,” Mr. Smith further added.

The Fresh Prince will be Jabari’s first TV appearance, according to Deadline. Coincidently, Jabari is a resident of Philadelphia, where the fictional Will Smith was ‘born and raised’.

Deadline is an American entertainment outlet.