Will Smith introduces 'Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' successor as reboot is confirmed
Will Smith has introduced the world to his Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air successor by surprising the young star on Zoom.
The beloved 90s sitcom – based around a streetwise kid from Philadelphia adjusting to life with his well-to-do California relatives – is being given a modern-day reboot.
After a fierce search for someone to take over Smith’s leading role, the Men In Black star uploaded the announcement onto Instagram on Wednesday.
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The lucky young star is newcomer Jabari Banks, who graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia last year.
Similar to his predecessor, Banks’ was raised in West Philadelphia, and on top of acting skills also produces his own music and raps.
The stunned youngster looks shocked to see Smith appear on his screen in the sweet video, and can’t hide his excitement as he’s revealed as the new Will for the show.
“It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, to be on with you,” Smith tells him.
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“And from the deepest parts of my heart I want to say congratulations to you… You have the role of Will on Bel-Air.”
Spinning around in his chair, Banks declares: “I’m ready, I’m so ready. Ya’ll I’m ready to bite down.”
Calling the show a ‘dream come true’, he later tells Smith: “The way this show has impacted me and my life… it’s incredible.
“Thank you so much, I’m so grateful. This is an incredible thing.”
The original series ran from 1990 to 1996, and set Smith on his career path to superstardom both as a recording artist and actor.
It still remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, with the entire cast reuniting last year to celebrate its 30 year anniversary.
The reboot, titled simply Bel-Air, will be a dramatic version of the original, stepping away from the studio sitcom roots.
Each episode will also be an hour long, instead of its previous half-hour slot.
Bel-Air has already been given the greenlight a two-season run, with future seasons still uncertain.