Bel-Air brings an update to the original narrative of will, a teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to the rich area of Bel-Air, while incorporating issues facing society today in a dramatic manner.
From star to producer
American comedian Will Smith, who acted in the original series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, adds a new meaning to the phrase dark remake with the series Bel-Air Besides being a main character, Will Smith actively participated as the EP of the show. He ensured that he retains the fundamental aspects that would represent the show’s originality as well as giving room to a more sober representation in the current world.
From parody to reality
Specifically, the Bel-Air project was preceded by a parody video made by Morgan Cooper in 2019. This video took the television show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and posed it as more of a drama series in today’s society . The video received a lot of attention and soon was even noticed by Will Smith. This parody delighted Will Smith and decided to turn this into a television series with his help via Morgan Cooper. Thanks to him and his experience, Will Smith ensured that this remake appeared on the Peacock streaming platform.
A carefully selected cast
Will Smith also as the producer, all the actors that were casted for Bel-Air were chosen to embody the spirit of the original characters yet give them more layers. Will Smith personally approved the actor who was cast to portray the main character Will, the role was given to Jabari Banks. It is also said that this young man of great potential took advice from Will Smith, who also starred in this movie. There are other characters in the movie, played by involved actors and actresses like; Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks and Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, who has a unique an emotional feeling about the role in question.
A modern reinvention
Unlike the previous series, which told sometimes rather heavy stories with elements of comedy, Bel-Air is darker and closer to reality. It is important to state that the mentioned series touches on matters like racism in today’s society, social tensions, and issues relating to assimilation into the elite class of society. Citing Will Smith as the director, the creators of the series try to bring the atmosphere closer to the contemporary context and consider the reigning realities.
