The 90’s sitcom that so many grew up on “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” has officially received a reboot and we have been behind the scenes to bring you the exclusive.
From the mind of Morgan Cooper, Bel-Air started off as an idea and a short film as he drove down a freeway in his home state of Kansas.
In this day and age, things are quick to go viral, and that is exactly what happened with his short film, but this form of viral hit different. While speaking with Morgan during the set visit, he explained that within 24 hours of releasing the short, Will Smith and his production company Westbrook media wanted to meet. Morgan explained that he hopped on a plane to Miami, and the rest was history.
This reboot, while not a replica of the 90’s classic, tackles conversations that are being had in today’s day and age which of course were slightly different than what many of us watched in the original.
However, one message that remains the same is the vision of a black successful family that despite their issues, remains just that, a family.
During the premiere of the series, we got to speak with the cast and producers who all gave praises to Jabari Banks who as his very first role is taking on Will’s character.
A Philly native, Jabari shared that when he went for the roll, it wasn’t necessarily an audition, Will surprised him on the zoom call confirming that the roll was his. In the same sentiments, speaking with the shows T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson they also say that Jabari had the part from the moment he auditioned.
This phenomenal cast alongside Jabari includes Coco Jones who plays Hilary Banks, an influencer different than that of the 90’s version of Hillary who was a weather woman. Adrian Holmes who plays Phillip Banks, Olly Sholotan who plays Carlton Banks, a version that differs from the 90’s version significantly, and with no spoilers in the first episode you will see exactly why. Cassandra Freeman who plays Vivian Banks, Akira Akbar who plays Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola who plays Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones who plays Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones who plays Lisa,
During this premiere, we were not only able to speak with this phenomenal cast, but some of the original cast joined as well including DJ Jazzy Jeff, who of course with no introduction played Will’s right-hand man Jazz, Joseph Marcell who played everyone’s beloved butler Geoffrey, and Tatyana Ali who played Ashley Banks.
This series does differ from the original, as it should, but for the fans of the 90’s sitcom, you will find pieces of nostalgia in this drama remake.