Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Will Smith surprises Jabari Banks on a video call, announces his name as the lead character Will

By Vandana Srivastawa

on September 03, 2021 07:23:30 PM

Will Smith surprised Jabari Banks as he told him that he has been cast as the main character, Will, in the upcoming Fresh Prince of Bel-Air revival. The actor surprised Banks with the news via a video call and told him that he will be stepping into the shoes of the iconic 90s character that was made popular by Smith.

As per reports, Banks’ character will be the same as Smith’s but it will be a ‘contemporary reimagining’ of the original series. Breaking the news to Banks, Smith said in the video, “It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, to be on (this video call) with you, and from the deepest parts of my heart, I want to say congratulations to you. You have the role of Will on Bel-Air."

Looked at his kingdom, he was finally there. To sit on Will Smith's throne as the Prince of Bel-Air. The legacy continues with Jabari Banks! pic.twitter.com/sDMJqYEOLC

— Peacock (@peacockTV) August 31, 2021

An elated Banks replied with, “I'm ready, I'm so ready,” and revealed that his father had suggested he try out for the part after reading an article about it. He further said, “This is a dream come true. The way the show has impacted me and my life, it's incredible to hear you say that."

The reboot will appear on NBC streaming service Peacock and will be produced by Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. Smith told Banks, “You've got a fantastic road ahead of you, and I'm looking forward to being an asset for you in this process as you build out your life and build out your career.”