In 2019, Morgan Cooper created a popular fan film that reenvisions the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a drama. Now, from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television, that short is being turned into an already 2-season order hourlong series. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson serve as executive producers and co-showrunners, with Cooper directing.

And now it looks like we have found our lead, the new wil Smith will be played by a Philly native, and newcomer, Jabari Banks. Banks was surprised by Will Smith to learn he has won the iconic role for the upcoming peacock series

Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show.