The mere mention of the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is nostalgic. That name takes us back to a time of high-top fades, leather bomber jackets, and blousy pants. A time when Will stepped from the Mic and in front of the camera as the Fresh Prince. And he did his thing.
This week Will passed on a bit of magic to the new cast of the revived classic.
Smith Hesitant about Reimagining of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
Will admits at; first, he wasn’t feeling a revival of the classic.
“For me, I vowed we would never touch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,”
We feel that.
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” did something for America tv never truly done, since “The Cosby Show” first aired. They brought another family into our hearts. Big Willy from Philly was for some a little brother and for others our big brother. The show became iconic. So, If something is brilliant, there’s no need for refinement.
Smith Has a change of heart about “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
Smith also contends he changed his position with a greater understanding of what could be done with the series.
“There were things we couldn’t say and do in a half-hour sitcom that in a dramatic version of this show, we can take the gloves off and dive into things in a way.”
He makes an excellent point..
Smith’s surprise to the cast of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
Yesterday unbeknownst to the cast, Smith showed up on the red carpet. This was their first time meeting the original Fresh Prince. This is oddly amusing. According to Jabari Banks, which is even more remarkable, Will handpicked every performer in the re-imaging. Since he had never met the cast in person he initiated a surprise pop-up. Not only did he give them the gift of his presence, but he also performed. This is a class act.
Big Shoes to Fill
Jabari Banks will reprise the role of Fresh Prince. Without a doubt, he’s got big shoes to fill. Banks told the press Smith gave him some pretty solid advice for helping him to blow this thing out of the water. Bank’s recounts,
“The biggest advice that he told me was just to be myself,” he explained. Because that’s what he was doing when he was playing the Fresh Prince.”
That is sage advice because who else can you be but yourself. Unfortunately, we have one Will Smith. No one will shine the way he does. So Banks will have to find his shine.
Back to Bel-Air
The good news is the world premiere is only a few days away. The new “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is scheduled to air right after the biggest event of the year, The Super Bowl. So hold tight because, on February 13th, we are headed back to Bel-Air.
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Written by Renae Richardson
Are you interested in what else Will Smith has been up to? Then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective articles.
