SinceThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airfeatured Will Smith in his breakout role, the actor will forever be synonymous with the classic sitcom. Even after the show was remade into the Peacock drama seriesBel-Air, everyone could still feel Smith’s shadow hanging over the franchise, especially since the main protagonist shares the actor’s name. Even after three successful seasons, the question of whether or not Smith will appear in the series continues to linger ahead ofa potentialBel-Airseason 4.
Though he is an executive producer ofPeacock’sBel-Air, Will Smith has not made an appearance. This is surprising considering he said toEntertainment Weeklythathe wanted to portray Philip “Uncle Phil” BanksshouldFresh Princeever be remade. In the end, Adrian Holmes was cast as Phil, which was ultimately the better decision for the show, compared to the prospect of Smith taking on the role.
Will Smith Playing Uncle Phil In Bel-Air Would Not Have Worked
Bel-Air Should Stand Out Without Will Smith Taking the Spotlight
Having Smith play Uncle Phil inBel-Airwould seem like a perfect way to reuse his talents in the franchise, especially since the sitcom first revealed Smith’s dramatic acting skills ina heartfelt scene with Phil inFresh Prince of Bel-Air. However, Smith playing one of the remake’s main characters would remind viewers of the original sitcom too much. His appearance as Philwould’ve distracted audiences from digesting the new seriesby invoking comparisons between it andThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
HavingFresh Prince’s lead star show up as a side character in every episode would causeBel-Airto cling too heavily to the source material, making it difficult for the remake to appeal to audiences as an individual series.
Despite spawning from a popular sitcom,Bel-Airbenefits from standing as its own show with its own identity (best encapsulated by its more dramatic story). HavingFresh Prince’s lead star, now an A-list actor, show up as a side character in every episode would causeBel-Airto cling too heavily to the source material and Smith’s stardom to succeed. This would also make it difficult for the remake to appeal to audiences and for the latter to recognize and appreciate its merits as an individual series.
I’ll Admit I Was Skeptical About Bel-Air, But I’m Fully On Board After Season 3
I was skeptical about a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot, but after Bel-Air season 3, I’m glad that this reimagination of the Will Smith show exists.
Fortunately, the remake and its cast have been able to stand tall on their own without Smith as a supporting cast member, as it has run for three seasons with rave reviews. Since many streaming shows these days sadly get canceled after only two seasons, the fact thatBel-Airhas lasted this long shows that it has won the confidence of both the studio and the audience. It also exemplifies how modern remakes can succeed in distinguishing itself from the original story without relying so much on nostalgia.
Why Will Smith Still Hasn’t Appeared In Bel-Air After 3 Seasons
The Writers Found It Difficult To Include Will Smith As A Character
Since Smith has been heavily involved in the productionBel-Airas an executive producer, it’s clear that there would be little to no trouble having him appear in the show. Also, it’s not like the show’s writers haven’t thought of ways to introduce Smith to the series. In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Carla Banks Waddles revealsshe considered having Smith portray Will’s father, Lou, in the show’s first season (the role ultimately went to actor Marlon Wayans):
“…it just felt a little too meta. Will being Will’s dad. So, I’d love, in a world of a season four, to find a role for him. I think the fans would love it. We would love it. The cast would love it. So, who knows?”
Though there has been some hesitance towards having Smith appear on the show,Bel-Airshows they are not too afraid to bring back actors from the original series. For its latest season,the remake brought back actor Joseph Marcell, who played Geoffrey inThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, to portray the gangster Roman in the third season. So for now, whetherSmith appears onBel-Airor not comes down to the writers finding the right character for him to play.
Which Role Should Will Smith Play In Bel-Air?
Will Smith Needs A Role That Would Best Fit The Show
Should Smith finally get to star inBel-Air, it would be impossible for his character to be either Uncle Phil or Lou. The best option for Smith would be having him cameo as an adult version of Jabari Banks’s protagonist on the show at some point, preferably in the series finale. Having Smith reprise his iconic character as a grown-up at the end ofBel-Airwould be a satisfying cameo to wrap up the series that would be just meta enough to bring the franchise full circle.
Bel-Air Made The Right Choice Not Bringing Back This Iconic Thing Back From Fresh Prince
Bel-Air made a good choice by not bringing back The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’s original theme song for the reboot because it would not fit the show.
Smith playing his adult self would also be the perfect symbol of howThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airmatured alongside him over the years. Just as Smith went from playing a mischievous teenager to becoming one of Hollywood’s most popular dramatic actors, so too didThe Fresh Princetransform from a lighthearted comedy to the more serious dramaBel-Air.
Though Will Smith would have succeeded in portraying a character like Uncle Phil in this remake, it would’ve been at the cost of the showstanding out as a distinctive drama.Bel-Air’s three-season run has proved it doesn’t need Smith to win over audiences. If Peacock does renewBel-Airfor a fourth season, fans would still have to wait and see if Will Smith appears in the franchise that made him a household name.
Bel-Air
Cast
A gritty and more grounded reimagining of the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith. After falling afoul of a drug lord and his gang in his native West Philadelphia, Will Smith moves to a gated community in Bel-Air with his wealthy Aunt Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) and Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes). Not only must Will adjust to his new environment, but he’s also forced to deal with his past to embrace his future.
