NEWSGrittier Reboot Of 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' A 'Dope' Idea, Says Original Star
Sep. 18 2020, Updated 3:14 p.m. ET
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress Tatyana Ali has refused to divulge any information on the upcoming 30th anniversary reunion special — but thinks that a dramatic reboot of the hit show is a fantastic idea.
"There's a lot of surprises for us," she told Entertainment Today in regards to the reunion. "I know what I'm wearing. Other than that, I'm sworn to secrecy,"
Details are scarce about the special; however, Will Smith, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro will return to reprise their roles.
'90S MILLENIALS REJOICE! THE 'FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR' CAST HAS REUNITED — SEE THE EPIC PHOTO!
Smith, who starred as the main character in the original show, recently revealed that Fresh Prince of Bel-Air will be rebooted as a drama. Ali, who played the role of Ashley in the original, said the idea is "brilliant."
She added: "Flipping it and making it a drama is so dope. I think that's part of this lasting power of the sitcom — it was based in real stuff."
The original concept for the reboot comes from Morgan Cooper's film, which re-envisioned The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The new show will likely tackle real-life issues and be a lot grittier than what '90s kids are used to.
RED CARPET CONFIDENTIAL: TATYANA ALI'S ADVICE FOR JUSTIN BIEBER
The Peacock network has already signed up the drama, which has been titled Bel-Air, for two seasons. It will be directed, co-written and co-executive produced by Cooper.
According to the network, "The show will lean into the series' original premise, following Will's complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. However, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show."
