Will Smith surprises newcomer Jabari Banks with news that he landed lead role in 'Fresh Prince' reboot
"Bel-Air" has found its Fresh Prince.
In an announcement video on Tuesday, it was revealed that newcomer and West Philadelphia native Jabari Banks will play the role of Will in the forthcoming "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" reboot.
Original Will and "Fresh Prince" star Will Smith surprised Banks in the video, sharing the news of his casting.
In the video, Banks also explains that he learned about the role after his father sent him an article about it. Two months later, he received a call from his agent.
"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," Smith tells Banks in the video.
As previously reported, the hourlong series is a reimagining of the ‘90s sitcom as a drama series.
It is based on a viral YouTube trailer created by writer Morgan Cooper that explores Will's "complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air."
Additional casting has yet to be announced.
