Peacock has cast West Philadelphia native Jabari Banks to play “Will” in the reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The new sitcom is called Bel-Air and is slated to run for at least two seasons.
Will Smith, one of the producers of the new sitcom, revealed Banks as the new lead character on Tuesday.
Smith called Banks personally to inform him that he had landed the role, and the network caught the special moment on camera.
“From the deepest parts of my heart, I want to say congratulations to you…uh…you have the role of “Will” on Bel-Air,” Smith told Banks with a wholesome smile on his face.
Banks is a very recent graduate from the University of Arts in Philadelphia. In 2020, he received a bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre.
Upon hearing the news, Banks reacted like most new graduates lucky enough to land their first big role in the midst of a pandemic would.
“I’m ready. I’m so ready, yo. I’m ready to bite down,” the young actor exclaimed.
Banks also revealed that his father encouraged him to vie for the role of “Will” in the new sitcom.
Bel-Air is the brainchild of Smiths’ Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. The show received a two-season order in September 2020.
The reboot will feature hour-long episodes that delve more into how the once-troubled West Philadelphia teen is now navigating conflicts and biases that he experiences as a young man.
Banks seems like the perfect match for this role. In addition to his native hometown and being an actor, he is also a rapper and songwriter, just like his predecessor. Smith likely saw a lot of himself in the rising star.
Plus, who can overlook the uncanny coincidence in his last name being Banks like that of his television family?
Hopefully, at least one episode will feature the only Aunt Viv that matters.
Until then, congratulations Jabari.
