Peacock’s highly anticipated drama series Bel-Air, a contemporary reimagining of the beloved and culture-defining 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has cast newcomer and West Philadelphia local Jabari Banks in the iconic role of “Will” originated by Will Smith.
The news was announced today via Will Smith directly as he surprised Jabari with this life-changing news.
Peacock previously ordered two seasons of the series adaptation of Morgan Cooper’s viral fan film Bel-Air. See Will Smith’s original announcement HERE.
Cooper wrote and directed the four-minute spec trailer, debuting the video on social media in March 2019. The trailer, which currently has nearly 7 million views on YouTube, caught the attention of Smith, and in a reaction video Smith called the film and idea brilliant.
Jabari Banks lives in West Philly. He graduated from the University of the Arts in Philly in 2020. In addition to acting, Jabari is an accomplished songwriter, singer, rapper, and basketball player.
Producers by: Will Smith, Terence Carter, James Lassiter, Miguel Melendez, Malcolm Spellman, Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and Andy & Susan Borowitz