“Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I’d like to take a minute
Just sit right there
I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air”
If any ever doubted the power of going viral, the way the gritty Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot, Bel-Air, made it to the air is a textbook example. Beginning life as a fan film made by Morgan Cooper, Bel-Air is now one of fledgling streamer Peacock’s biggest hopes for a cross-over success. Developed by Cooper and original star Will Smith, this dramatic reboot of the classic sitcom stars Jabari Banks as Will who, as in the original show, flees Philly and moves in with his well-to-do extended family in Bel-Air, with the family headed by his supportive Aunt Viv (Cassandra Freeman) and his tough (but loving) Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes).
Peacock just dropped the full trailer, and as you can see, all of the elements that made the original show such a classic are there but presented differently. Carlton (Olly Sholotan) and Will still have a rivalry going, while Geoffrey, the suave butler (or house manager here), is still the one who really runs things, with him played by the cool-looking Jimmy Akingbola. Whether or not Bel-Air connects with fans of the original show or not, it’s worth noting that Will Smith and his partners at Westbrook/Overbrook were also the folks who produced Cobra Kai, so clearly, they know how to repackage fan-favourite properties. For some fascinating insight into how Smith works with his right-hand man James Lassiter, I highly recommend checking out his biography, Will, on Audible.
Bel-Air premieres February 13th on Peacock.