Transforming one of the most popular sitcoms of all time into a drama can’t be an easy task. But writer and director Morgan Cooper gives it a good go with Bel-Air, an updated retelling of the fish-out-of-water classic that cemented Will Smith as a multi-disciplined talent over 30 years ago. While The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air told the story of a Black teen moving from “the hood to the Hills” through comedy, this reboot explores the darker elements that such a move entails. At a time when threats to Black American life and opportunity are documented daily through social media, it makes some sense to present the same premise with more of a straight face – even if it’s a little less fun.
In Bel-Air, our main character is still – like in the original series – called Will Smith. It’s a move that makes sense for the revival of the story, but is slightly jarring when not matched with the expected face. He’s now played by charismatic newcomer Jabari Banks, who we first meet at home in West Philadelphia. He has everything going for him: he’s the star of the school basketball team, gets top marks in his exams and looks set to attend a top university. He’ll have his crown soon, his mother tells him, “as soon as he finds the courage to wear it”.
