Peacock Launches Fresh Prince Reboot Trailer, Bel-Air

Now it’s a story about how Will Smith’s life “got turned upside down.” But unlike the classic sitcom The prince of Bel-Air, it’s no laughing matter in the first modern reboot trailer, Bel-Air. Peacock has finally launched the first images of Bel-Air, which features Jabari Banks replacing both Will Smith the character and Will Smith the actor. And while the original theme song hinted at Will’s troubles in West Philadelphia, the clips featured here depict a gruesome incident that threatened to take Will’s life.

The rest of the video features Will’s extended family on the West Coast, Phillip and Vivian Banks, along with their children, Carlton, Hilary and Ashley. Even Geoffrey gets a more dignified job title – and last name – than “butler”. Instead, the reboot’s Geoffrey Thompson is “house manager” for the lavish Banks estate. Will’s friend Jazz is also present and warns him to make sure that life in Bel-Air doesn’t change who he really is.

While Will initially seems to be embracing his change of scenery, the trailer also shows us that Will’s adjustment period will be bumpy. Will’s athletic gifts are unmistakable, but he seems to have a hard time avoiding trouble. Uncle Phil seems to keep Will at an emotional distance, and yet he wants his nephew to make the most of his second chance. It’s Will’s life, and he doesn’t always make the best choices.

Bel-Air actually started out as a joke. Independent filmmaker Morgan Cooper created a parody video that reimagined Fresh prince like a modern drama. This has led to genuine interest in a genuine Fresh prince reboot, and a bidding war for Bel-Air, before Peacock obtained the rights to the series.

Adrian Holmes co-stars in the series as Phillip Banks, with Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey Thompson, Jordan L. Jones as Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones as Lisa.

The real Will Smith is executive producer Bel-Air next to Fresh prince creators Andy and Susan Borowitz, as well as Quincy Jones and Benny Medina. Peacock will air the first three episodes on February 13 after the Super Bowl ends.