The show that launched Will Smith into superstar status is getting a fresh new look and a storyline that matches today’s cultural trends.
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” the 90’s sitcom starring Will Smith is officially coming back. The show is being rebooted as simply “Bel-Air” on Peacock, the NBC streaming service.
The network released the first trailer for the series on Monday, announcing it would begin streaming on February 13.
The new show looks different than what fans may recall or even expect from the original. No longer a half-hour sitcom, “Bel-Air” is an hour-long drama, reimagining the initial story with a more dramatic subtext.
According to the summary on the YouTube trailer, the show is: “Set in modern-day America, Peacock’s new one-hour drama series Bel-Air reimagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air.”
The theme song briefly describes why Will left West Philadelphia, “I got in one little fight and my mom got scared” the the theme song says. The trailer, however, goes deeper. It depicts Will, played by Jabari Banks, firing a gun into the air, followed by police officers shoving his head into the concrete moments later.
In this reboot, someone from West Philidelphia wants Will dead, therefore his escape to family in Bel Air.
Other differences in the reboot include Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv appearing much younger. Social media response to the trailer has viewers questioning the casting of Adrian Holmes, who replaces the late James Avery as the family patriarch.
Also, Cousin Carlton, played by Olly Sholotan, is not the same nerdy Alfonso Ribeiro. He isn’t the kid with the quirky dance that fans remember from the original series. In the reboot, he is almost cool, sporting a toned physique and a new friend group of lacrosse players.
One thing, though, remains the same. Will Smith is still involved with the show that propelled him into the spotlight. He is no longer the star but is now an executive producer for the reboot.
