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We see recasts pretty regularly on the big screen. For some franchises like Friday the 13th and Halloween, it’s almost a tradition. It’s less common in a non-genre arena. However, other major films have seen some of their important characters get recast for various reasons… and keep in mind that we’re only talking about movies here, not TV shows, so you won’t hear about Michiel Huisman replacing Ed Skrein as Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones, Charles Melton replacing Ross Butler on Riverdale, Liam Hemsworth replacing Henry Cavill on The Witcher, Janet Hubert being switched with Daphne Maxwell Reid as Aunt Vivian Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Nathan Parsons replacing Luke Grimes as James Kent on True Blood, Alessandra Torresani being replaced by Mae Whitman on Arrested Development, or Jeff the cab driver being recast in the final season of Better Call Saul. The...

Recasting a character is always a tricky proposition. Sometimes, it's just not working out, and you go in a different direction, but when you're dealing with a franchise character, you risk angering longtime fans who have emotionally invested in a particular actor's performance. That was the case when "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" replaced Aunt Viv, recasting Janet Hubert with Daphne Reid, and people still talk about that situation decades later.

There are also instances when an actor dies while filming something meant to be ongoing. In early 2025, it was reported that, despite fan investment in Chadwick Boseman's performance, Marvel is considering recasting T'Challa ahead of "Black Panther 3." In fact, writer Jeff Sneider reported that the role had already been offered to someone new, but they decided not to take the risk. "They turned it down, not wanting to jeopardize their career momentum by stepping into Boseman's gigantic shoes,...

The 1990s were ripe with terrific sitcoms, namely "Seinfeld," "Frasier," "Friends," "Home Improvement," and "Everyone Loves Raymond." However, tucked between these shows was "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," a snappy, energetic, incredibly entertaining family comedy that launched star Will Smith to superstardom, was nominated for and won a slew of awards, spawned a modern-day spinoff series, and crafted a beloved theme song that Quincy Jones believes cemented hip-hop into pop culture. It also packed quite the emotional punch and it wasn't afraid to hit the dramatic beats. 

"Fresh Prince" ran for six solid seasons, garnering positive reviews for its cast and strong viewership ratings. Nearly everyone involved used their time on the show to achieve fame and fortune on other projects, whether television, movies, or video games. While most of the main cast never rose to the same success they enjoyed on "Fresh Prince," they remained relevant in the decades following its conclusion in 1996. So,...

Working together for a long time will give you some of the best relationships you could ask for. Well, that or you could find yourself in the midst of a rivalry. Will Smith knows what we’re talking about. One of the most celebrated actors of our time, Will Smith found fame as an actor thanks to the sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which ran from 1990 to 1996. There, he worked with actress Janet Hubert-Whitten who played the role of the lovable Vivian Banks aka Aunt Viv in the first three seasons of the show.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-96) | Credits: NBC

She was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid and the team gave off the ever-appliable excuse of creative differences for her exit. But then something mind-boggling happened. Will Smith went on record to say some serious words for his ex-co-star and blamed her for wanting to hog the spotlight all for herself.

Will Smith opened up about making a big mistake.

The 56-year-old Bad Boys star sat down for a forthcoming episode of Vice’s Black Comedy in America series. During it, he reflected on his tense relationship with a former costar, admitting that he misread the situation.

Keep reading to find out more…

If you were unaware, Will previously feuded with his Fresh Prince of Bel Air costar Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv on the first three seasons of the show before being replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid.

The costars exchanged some public barbs after her 1993 departure. However, Will and Janet made up in 2020 and have been close since.

Looking back on the situation, Will now sees how their bad blood was a mistake.

“I made a horrible error and misjudgment of her value and power and beauty to the show,” he said, via People. “I horribly underestimated what she...

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Will Smith explains how his dislike of the original theme song saw him taking a nerve-wracking chance to make a more fitting tune. The 1990s sitcom saw a young teen from Philadelphia move to live with his wealthy relatives in the titular Los Angeles neighborhood across six seasons from 1990 to 1996. Starring Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's cast featured James Avery, Janet Hubert-Whitten, Daphne Maxwell-Reid, Alphonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana M. Ali, and Joseph Marcell.

As Vice's Black Comedy In America series turned its attention to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith confessed that he loathed the original theme song that the late Quincy Jones pitched, but he felt he couldn't say that directly to the producer due to both his involvement and reputation in the music industry. As such, Smith joined forces with his frequent...

“I made a horrible error and misjudgment of her value and power and beauty to the show,” Will Smith says in the latest episode of Vice’s Black Comedy in America about his beef with Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star Janet Hubert, via People. “I horribly underestimated what she was for me at that point in my life.”

It’s all good now, but as sitcom feuds go, Will Smith vs. Janet Hubert was an all-timer. Hubert left Fresh Prince after three seasons of playing Aunt Viv over “creative differences” and an alleged offer of a “bad deal.” She was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid. But Hubert made sure everyone knew she believed Smith was the problem, not a low-ball contract.

After leaving the show, Hubert called the Men in Black star an “egomaniac” who ruined her career, refusing to entertain the idea of ever reconciling with the show’s cast.

Will Smith says that he regrets his feud with his The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Vivian in the first three seasons of the 90s sitcom. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air originally ran on NBC from 1990-1996, and starred Smith as a fictional version of himself, who lives with his wealthy Uncle Phil (James Avery) and Aunt Vivian, along with their children. Hubert left the sitcom after its third season, and Daphne Maxwell Reid took over the role of Aunt Vivian for the rest of the show's run. However, Smith and Hubert later reconciled while filming a reunion special, which was released on HBO Max in 2020.

In an episode of Black Comedy in America (via People), Smith talked about his feud with Hubert. In the interview, Smith said that he made a "horrible error" in his working relationship with her. He also said that at the time,...

Fans of Peacock's Bel-Air have a reason to celebrate and more today. The series, which offered a unique dramatic redo of the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, will be back for a fourth season, but it comes with the announcement that it will be its last...and it will have a lower than usual episode count. So, alongside the celebrations also comes some bad news, sadly.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Peacock Premium has renewed Bel-Air for a fourth and final season that will consist of eight episodes, down from the typical ten episodes of previous seasons. The news of the renewal decision arrives three months after the Season 3 finale was released on the streaming service on Sept. 5. An exact reason for the decision to end the show with Season 4 wasn't given, but some reports say that budgetary reasons could be a factor, which is why the renewal news came later than usual.

Olly Sholotan as Carlton and Jabari Banks as Will in ‘Bel-Air’ (Photo by: Greg Gayne/Peacock)

Peacock’s officially renewed Bel-Air for a fourth season, which, unfortunately for fans, will be the series’ final season. The 10-episode third season premiered in August 2024. Peacock’s announcement didn’t confirm when the fourth season is expected to debut.

The drama stars Jabari Banks as Will, Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, and Coco Jones as Hilary Banks. Akira Akbar plays Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola plays Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones is Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones is Lisa.

The Fresh Prince‘s Tatyana Ali, Joseph Marcell, Vernee Watson-Johnson, and Daphne Maxwell Reid have appeared as guest stars. Bianca Belair, Bill Bellamy, Justin Cornwell, Andra Day, Melissa De Sousa, Nicholas Duvernay, and Dulé Hill have also popped in over the first three seasons.

“Set in modern-day Los Angeles,...

Peacock’s Bel-Air is doing “The Carlton” again after renewing the fan-favorite drama for a fourth and final season. Bel-Air is a contemporary reimagining of the beloved ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, starring a young Will Smith as a Philadelphia import learning to navigate the lap of luxury in Los Angeles, California. According to sources, Bel-Air Season 4 has eight episodes to end the series.

The evolution of Bel-Air is remarkable. The series comes from Morgan Cooper’s four-minute viral short, which presents a more grounded and grittier take on the characters and premise of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Bel-Air helped put Peacock’s name in the spotlight as one of the streamer’s most successful original series.

Set in the modern-day, Bel-Air is a dramatic reimagining of the Fresh Prince concept. The serialized, one-hour presentation follows “Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to...

Peacock announced today that the fan-favorite drama series Bel-Air has been renewed for a fourth and final season. The 10-episode third season launched on the streaming service on August 15, 2024.

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Bel-Air reimagines the iconic culture-defining ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.

Bel-Air is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Westbrook Studios. Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer.

The series has featured an array of notable guest stars across seasons, including original cast members from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Tatyana Ali,...

Now, this is a story all about how the future of Bel-Air got flipped, turned upside-down. The series, which served as a more dramatic reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is not going to have as long of a run as the show it's based on, which lasted six seasons.

Per Deadline, it has been revealed that Bel-Air has been renewed for Season 4. The update on the show's future comes three months after the third season concluded its run on Peacock, and as there were concerns about a cancelation, it should come as good news for fans to know the series will continue. However, the reveal comes with some bad news, as it's also being reported that Season 4 will serve as the final season of the show. Additionally, Season 4 will reportedly have a smaller episode count, expected to consist of eight episodes, two lower than the 10 featured in the three prior seasons.

“Bel-Air,” Peacock’s reimagining of the ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” has been renewed for a fourth and final season at the streamer.

The series, which is set in modern-day Los Angeles, follows young Will in a new, dramatic take on his complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air.

As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.

“Bel-Air” stars Jabari Banks as Will, Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones as Jazz and Simone Joy Jones as Lisa.

The series has also featured an array of notable guest stars across seasons,...

“Bel-Air” has been renewed for Season 4 at Peacock, which will also be the show’s final season.

The news comes roughly three months after the finale of Season 3 of the series, which serves as a dramatic reimagining of the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” It was originally picked up at Peacock in 2020 with a two season commitment.

The cast for the series includes Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones, Simone Joy Jones.

Like the sitcom version, “Bel-Air” follows a teenager named Will (Jabari Banks), who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his auntie and uncle in the titular posh Los Angeles neighborhood. The series is inspired by a viral video created by Morgan Cooper that reimagined the original sitcom as a drama series.

The series has also featured a wide range of notable guest stars, including...

Peacock is extending (and ending) the Fresh Prince’s reign, renewing Bel-Air for a fourth and final season.

Executive-produced by Will Smith, Bel-Air is a dramatic reimagining of the iconic ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, inspired by a short film released by Morgan Cooper.

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Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks,...

Exclusive: Bel-Air, which helped put Peacock on the original series map, will be coming to an end. The modern-day drama reimagining of the popular ‘90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has been picked up for a fourth season, which will be its last. According to sources, the final season will consist of eight episodes, fewer than the 10 episodes in each of the first three seasons.

The renewal comes three months after Bel-Air, produced by Universal Television and Westbrook Studios, released its Season 3 finale on Sept. 5. According to sources, it was preceded by behind-the-scenes budget conversations, which could explain the delay. The most recent Season 3 renewal came ahead of the series’ Season 2 finale.

Peacock stepped up in a major way to land Bel-Air in a very competitive situation when the project was taken out in 2020, handing the drama, based on Morgan Cooper’s viral four-minute spec trailer, a two-season pickup.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special in 2020 cleared up the facts about the controversy surrounding the replacement of the original Aunt Vivian Banks. For decades, it's been rumored that actress Janet Hubert was fired after clashing with star Will Smith. However, the HBO Max 30-year celebration program reveals a different side of the story. Hubert makes a special appearance in the reunion episode and states that she walked away from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for personal reasons.

Much of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special involves the original cast members reflecting on the early years of the NBC series. Smith jokes about his untraditional audition while attending a party at Quincy Jones' home and notes that the original comedic focus of The Fresh Prince was centered on Will's friction with Uncle Phil, portrayed by the late James Avery. In retrospect, many fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air...

Bel-Air season 4 will introduce the last missing Banks family member after a major reveal in the season 3 finale. Bel-Air season 3s ending featured multiple cliffhangers, one of which will lead to the completion of the Banks family as shown in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Bel-Air is a re-imagining of Fresh Prince rather than a direct reboot, which means many changes have been made, particularly in the shows tone. Still, both versions of the show focus on the Banks family and Will Smith, Aunt Vivs nephew.

The Banks family quickly became one of the most popular and iconic sitcom families when The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air premiered in 1990, almost 35 years ago. The Banks are one of the Black families that redefined sitcoms, and Bel-Air continues to add depth to them. Bel-Air has added to the interesting and complex dynamics within the Banks family. Things will likely only get more complicated...

Bel-Air lead actor Jabari Banks portrays the modern-era version of Will Smith in Peacock's fresh take on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Should his show get a Season 4, Banks hopes to see the man who played Will's cousin from the '90s series appear.

Speaking with Collider, Banks was asked which original The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor he'd like to see feature in Bel-Air at some point. According to Banks, he wants to see star Alfonso Ribeiro join the series. "Were going down the list. I think weve gotta hit Alfonso [Ribeiro] next. Come on, Season 4, lets do it," he said.

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Will Smith and Johnny Depp are united in a new photo together ahead of a shared concert performance from the two actors.

Ribeiro is fondly remembered by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans for playing Carlton Banks throughout the iconic show's six-season run.

Bel-Air features multiple cameos from actors who starred in the series its based on, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, paying tribute to the original and bringing the shows together. Bel-Air is a more dramatic take on the story from the 1990s sitcom, which has led to changes to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air characters. This also allows the reboot to stand apart from the original, with a unique twist on what viewers know and love. In many ways, Bel-Air stands alone as a series, and the Fresh Prince cameos are a nice reminder of the source material.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air starred Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself. The series focuses on Wills life after moving from West Philly to live with his rich aunt, uncle, and cousins in Bel-Air, California. The Fresh Princes Banks family became one of the most popular 1990s sitcom families, making appearances...

Bel-Air is a teen drama series developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson. Based on the popular Will Smith comedy series titled The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by Andy and Susan Borowitz, the Peacock series follows the life of Will Smith, a 16-year-old boy as he is sent to gated mansions of Bel-Air to live with his rich aunt and uncle by his mother from the streets of Philadelphia. Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Simone Joy Jones, and Jordan L. Jones. So, if you loved the teen drama, tons of glamor, and a heartfelt story in Bel-Air, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Credit – NBC

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a comedy series created by Andy and Susan Borowitz. The NBC series follows a fictional version of...

[This story contains spoilers from Bel-Air season three, episode six, “Baggage.”]

School’s out for summer in season three of Bel-Air when it finds its lead characters, Will Smith (Jabari Banks) and Carlton Banks (Olly Sholotan), begrudgingly working at a country club at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) urging, rather than wreaking havoc in the classroom.

“We were all excited for summer in Bel-Air because we’ve never done that before,” showrunner Carla Banks Waddles tells The Hollywood Reporter. “We’ve always been in the school hallways and in school uniforms. So just knowing that we were going to be outside meant new sets … and really focusing on what are the iconic summer things for kids in L.A. and being able to talk about all of that: Juneteenth, fireworks, beaches, bikinis, hot tubs, swimming pools.”

While playing with new environments in its latest season, which debuted on Peacock on Aug. 15, the Fresh Prince of...

That ’90s Show is one of the only spin-off comedy series that is actually good. Created by Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Lindsey Turner, and Gregg Mettler, the Netflix series serves as a sequel show to the popular period teen comedy series That ’70s Show. It is set in the 90s and it follows the story of Leia Forman, the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti as she visits her grandparents in Point Place, Wisconsin, and makes a group of friends there. That ’90s Show stars Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Reyn Doi, Sam Morelos, Maxwell Acee Donovan, and Laura Prepon. So, if you loved the 90s vibes, classic Red and Kitty Forman energy, and heartfelt friends moments in That ’90s Show here are some similar shows you should check out next.

That ’70s Show (Peacock & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox

That ’70 Show...

On Monday August 19 2024, Sundance broadcasts The A-Team!

Skins Season 3 Episode 17 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The A-Team,” titled “Skins,” promises to be an exciting adventure. In this episode, B.A. Baracus finds himself infatuated with a Kenyan game warden named Daphne Maxwell. Her determination and strength capture his attention, leading him to volunteer the team for a crucial mission.

The plot revolves around the tragic loss of Daphne’s brother, who was killed by poachers. This personal connection drives her to seek justice and protect the wildlife she cares for. B.A. and the rest of the A-Team are ready to step in and assist her in tracking down the criminals responsible for this crime. The stakes are high, and the team must work together to navigate the challenges they face in the wild.

Viewers can expect action, teamwork, and a touch of romance as B.A. puts his heart on the line.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 90s, spanning six seasons with 22 episodes each, that provided all the laughter and drama fans needed. The show, starring A-list actor Will Smith, was a hit with audiences of all ages because it was funny, tackled complex family issues, and the chemistry between actors like Smith, James Avery, Alfonso Ribeiro, Janet Hubert, and Karyn Parsons was terrific.

The comedy TV show follows the Banks family, whose lives are forever changed when Smith, who's been causing too much trouble for his mother in West Philadelphia, comes to live with them in their suburban California estate in Bel-Air. Despite the show's success, behind-the-scenes drama got fans talking when Aunt Viv was recast ahead of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Season 4.

Janet Hubert Was an Integral Part of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Related 10 Comedy Shows With the Best Theme Songs

Janet Hubert played Vivian Banks,...

Like Will Smith, who started his career as an emcee before transitioning into a leading man onscreen in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, music was a first love for Coco Jones before she became a Disney child star and landed the role of Hilary Banks on the Peacock reimagining of the ‘90s sitcom, Bel-Air.

The duo shared the stage at an Aug. 1 barbecue at the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles ahead of the drama’s season three premiere on Aug. 15. Smith rapped the lyrics to his Grammy Award-winning hit “Summertime,” while Jones sang the chorus.

“Will and I are similar in the regard of being actors and balancing our music careers with our TV shows, so I really respect him,” Jones tells The Hollywood Reporter, adding of the performance, “it was a fun opportunity to promote a great show and great art.”

In Bel-Air, Jones’ character Hilary is still...

The acclaimed series Bel-Air is set to return to Peacock this coming August for Season 3, and the latest trailer reveals another fan-favorite from the original show making his triumphant return to the franchise. Based on the Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which ran from 1990 to 1996, Bel-Air is a dramatic reimagining of the hugely successful comedy which stems from the mind of Morgan Cooper, who created the Bel-Air short film in 2019. The rights to the project were snatched up by Peacock in 2020, leading to the premiere of the dramatic take on the classic comedy in 2022.

Past stars of the original series have already made an appearance in Bel-Air, such as Tatyana Ali, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson, who have all returned to portray brand-new characters in the Peacock series. Thanks to a new trailer for Season 3, we now know that this time around, Joseph Marcell will be...

Joseph Marcell will appear in Bel-Air season 3, teasing a pivotal part in the drama. He played Geoffery in the original show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The new season explores the dynamic relationship between Will and Carlton.

Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles teases the return of a key Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor in Bel-Air season 3. A dramatic reimagining of the iconic 1990s sitcom, Bel-Air season 3 will see Jabari Banks return to the role of Will Smith. Consisting of ten episodes, the new installment shifts as Will and Carlton continue to work as a dynamic duo, though previous tensions remain. A recent trailer for the drama series also revealed that Joseph Marcell, who played Geoffrey Butler, will be appearing in the reimagined reboot for a pivotal role.

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In an interview with TheWrap, Banks-Waddles talked about Marcell's return in Bel-Air season 3, which premieres August 15 on Peacock.

Bel-Air Season 3 serves up some nostalgia ahead of its premiere. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sequel series brings back a fan-favorite from the original sitcom to ramp up anticipation.

Peacock released a new trailer for Bel-Air Season 3, previewing the tense and explosive action fans can expect from the upcoming episodes. Near the end of the sneak peek, Bel-Air introduces an Og from its parent series as original Geoffrey Butler actor, Joseph Marcell, appears in a suit, saying to someone, "There's always gonna be a price, that's on you."

Related Alfonso Ribeiro Says Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Role Ruined Acting Career

Carlton Banks actor Alfonso Ribeiro explains the negative impact the role had on his career.

Marcell is the latest original cast member from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to appear in Bel-Air, with Tatyana Ali, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson having previously featured in the series. Marcell won't portray his original character in Bel-Air,...

Despite the fact that audiences these days seem to be less interested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe than they are movies about small plastic playthings and googly-eyed mental health issues, we’re getting another Captain America sequel: Captain America: Brave New World, which presumably finds the new Cap teaming up with the ghost of Aldous Huxley.

The upcoming film is Harrison Ford’s introduction to the MCU, the Hollywood Homicide star is taking over the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross from the late William Hurt. And the folks behind the film just couldn’t restrain themselves from inserting a meta-joke about the casting change.

When Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is summoned to meet Ross in the White House, he immediately remarks, “I have to admit, I’m still getting used to the new look.” Ross then awkwardly explains that he had to shave off his mustache for political reasons.

This...

Actor Will Smith paid tribute to one of his early career roles. While he has since become an Oscar-winning actor known for his work in feature films, his rise to stardom was aided by his leading role in the hit 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Per DiscussingFilm, a new video has emerged featuring Smith on the stage at an influencer boxing event in Spain. When the familiar music from the iconic theme song for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air started to play, Smith was met with loud applause from the crowd. He then treated them to a live performance of the song, which he'd originally created for the sitcom with DJ Jazzy Jeff. With backup dancers behind him, Smith went through the whole song, encouraging audience participation all along. The video can be watched below.

Will Smith just performed the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme in front of...

FX’s “The Bear” has been the series equivalent of a three-star Michelin, James Beard Award-winning restaurant since its premiere in 2022. Created by writer/director/product Christopher Storer, the hit show revolves around Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), a chef from the fine dining world in New York, who returns to his home in Chicago to run the family’s sandwich shop after the suicide of his brother. The first season won 10 Emmys including best comedy series and actor in a comedy series for White. Besides earning a Peabody, “The Bear” also performed well at the SAG Awards and the Golden Globes. The second season is a strong Emmy contender and the third season which just dropped will probably follow suit in 2025.

Since the early days of TV, restaurants, nightclubs, coffee shops, bars and diners have played an important role in countless series including the beloved multi-Emmy Award-winning 1982-93 NBC sitcom “Cheers”. In fact,...

On a long-running television show, its common for a character to be played by different actors. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airs Aunt Viv was originally played by Janet Hubert until Daphne Maxwell Reid took over in Season 4 till the series finale. Reggie Mantle of Riverdale was played by Ross Butler for the first season, with Charles Melton taking over the role from Season 2 onward. And for Roseanne, Becky was brought to life by two different actors: Lecy Goranson and Sarah Chalke. However, unlike other shows, keeping track of who played Becky at what point in the series can be a challenge.

Exclusive: Clear Talent Group has promoted agent Justin Busch to Director of NY Film & TV and agent Adam Liebross to Director of LA Film & TV.

Busch joined Ctg’s New York branch in 2012 after having been an agent at Phoenix Artists for five years. Notable NY film & TV clients include Marquise Vilson (Tom Swift), Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Daphne Reid (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black), and James Andrew O’Connor (Hightown).

Liebross has been with Ctg’s Los Angeles branch since 2020. Prior to joining, he spent time at APA and Industry Entertainment, and was the Head of Talent at Beth Stein & Associates. Notable LA film & TV clients include Kiowa Gordon (Dark Winds), Tre Hale (Platonic), Christian James, Robert Longstreet (The Haunting of Hill House), Regan Aliyah (Xo Kitty), and Bj Harrison.

Additionally, the two...

The Banks family from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is iconic and has left a strong impression on audiences due to their hilarious shenanigans and heart-to-heart moments. Uncle Phil is considered the best television dad, showing infinite patience and empathy. He treats Will like his own son and sets positive examples for his family. Hilary initially comes off as shallow and snobby, but after a tragic event, she matures and becomes more likable. Will's authenticity and personality earn him respect from the Banks family.

Despite its relatively small size, the Banks family from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is easily one of the most iconic television sitcom families of all time. While other memorable characters and even celebrities have shown up at different points in the beloved '90s sitcom, each member of the Banks family has left a strong impression on audiences almost thirty years after its conclusion. Whether...

Acclaimed filmmaker and producer Tyler Perry looks set to expand his horizons in film, as he's inked a lucrative new deal with Netflix.

Per Variety, Perry has agreed to a creative partnership with Netflix, signing a multi-year, eight-picture feature film deal with the popular streamer. The first-look deal will see Perry write, produce and helm eight feature-length projects for Netflix within a four-year span. The agreement extends Perry's working relationship with Netflix, which has seen him create efforts such as 2020's A Fall From Grace and 2022's A Madea Homecoming, the last installment of his long-running Madea film series.

Related: Netflix's Squid Game: The Challenge Gets Official Trailer

Perry's Netflix deal was all but confirmed by Endeavor and Tko CEO Ari Emanuel during a Bloomberg Media Screentime conference on Oct. 11. Though Perry played coy about the deal, he expressed his excitement to maximize his creative relationship with Netflix. "I’ll...

The Bel-Air reboot features an entirely new cast portraying the iconic characters from the 1990s original sitcom — here is the cast of Bel-Air vs the cast of Fresh Prince. Peacock’s Bel-Air is a dramatic reimagining of the 1990s show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which was one of the most influential culture-defining series of its era. The serious tone of Bel-Air is told through a modern lens with conversations, themes, and realities that couldn’t be sufficiently told in the 30-minute sitcom formula in the ‘90s. As such, Bel-Air is a much deeper exploration of the original show’s complexities, which also meant significant changes to the iconic characters.

Bel-Air still follows teenager Will Smith moving from West Philadelphia to the Bel-Air mansion of his aunt and uncle after he attempts to defend his friend by using a gun. Following the initial set-up, Bel-Air’s dramatic reboot takes...

Image Source: Ben Cope

In our Q&a series Last Call, we get down to the bottom of every last thing with some of our favorite celebs - from the last time they were starstruck to the last song they listened to. This week, "Bel-Air" star Olly Sholotan takes our call.

"Bel-Air" still has a few more episodes left in season two, but Olly Sholotan is already looking ahead to the third installment. The beloved Peacock series was officially renewed for season three on March 17, and Sholotan is ready to go big.

"With season one, we showed that we're breathing a new life into this historic show and giving it more dimensions and more layers. And so with season two, I feel like we got to take the foundation we built on and just expand the world," Sholotan, who plays Carlton Banks, tells Popsugar. "So season three, we just hope...

The first season of AMC's "Interview With the Vampire" was a delicious high point of last year's oversaturated TV landscape, and the show is already set for a second season, but the news has now broken that it will be continuing on without one of its stars. Bailey Bass, the rising star who put a sensational spin on the character of teen vampire Claudia in the show's first batch of episodes, is stepping away from the role, per Variety. When the show returns, actor Delainey Hayles will take over the part of the eager and impetuous adoptee of turn-of-the-century undead lovers Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Lestat (Sam Reid).

In a statement shared to her Instagram, Bass thanked the cast, crew, and fans for supporting her during her time in the "dream role." The actor didn't single out one specific reason for her departure, but said she would be unable...

The following contains spoilers for Thursday’s episode of Bel-Air. Proceed accordingly.

Bel-Air welcomed another Fresh Prince alum with Tatyana Ali’s arrival in the Season 2 premiere as Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes.

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Previously, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson — who played Aunt Viv and Viola “Vy” Smith in the Og series, respectively — appeared in Season 1 as board members interviewing Vivian for a coveted art fellowship.

The Bel-Air showrunner previews more references to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Bel-Air season 2 continues to focus on the character of Will Smith (Jabari Banks) as he acclimates to his new life with affluent relatives. But even as it charts a more soapy path than its sitcom predecessor, the Peacock drama does find a few ways to connect back to the original Fresh Prince. This is evident in the first few episodes of Bel-Air season 2, which features Fresh Prince star, Tatyana Ali. The actor, who played Ashley in the original show, has a pivotal role in the new series as a teacher named Mrs. Hughes.

In an interview with The AVClub, showrunner Carla Banks Waddles talked about incorporating references to Fresh Prince while maintaining Bel-Air as its own world. Waddles also mentions how another character from Fresh Prince will be important to Carlton's story. Here is the full quote...

“Bel-Air” creator Morgan Cooper said since day one of developing the reimagined version of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” he and Will Smith found “organic ways” to include the original cast members.

From a viral reimagining to a meeting with Smith and onto Peacock screens, “Bel-Air” is now the streamer’s most-watched original series. While it is inspired by NBC’s original sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Cooper told TheWrap that he was very intentional about the show having its own identity and even refused to watch “Fresh Prince” during “Bel-Air’s” early development.

“When I was making the short film we released in 2019, which got this started, it was really important to me throughout the whole process of creating it to not watch ‘Fresh Prince’ at all,” Cooper said, adding that the series won’t perfectly mirror the storylines from its predecessor. “We’re not going to extrapolate ideas from it,...

How long have we waiting for Teen Wolf: The Movie? The wait is finally over, and it's paired with Sarah Michelle Gellar's return to genre TV with Wolf Pack, both on Paramount+.

We've got the third movie in the second The Wedding Veil trilogy on Hallmark, a new anthology series on Fox, and a Jason Segal-Harrison Ford pairing on Apple TV+.

Find out what you need to watch this week below!

Saturday, January 21

8/7c The Wedding Veil Journey (Hallmark)

Tracy and Nick agree to set aside work to make time for a long overdue honeymoon to Greece.

When they wind up on a secluded island, they confront their life choices.

Will this be the end of our journey with Tracy, Emma, and Avery? We’ll have to watch to find out.

8/7c Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias (Lifetime)

If you think you know Jodi Arias’ story, it’s only just the beginning.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Tatyana Ali will be returning as a recurring character in Bel-Air, though she won't be reprising her former role. Ali played Ashley Banks for the entirety of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, growing from a precocious little girl into a teenager with a rebellious spirit. Though she will not be returning in Bel-Air as Ashley, Ali has found a new way to shape Ashley's character.

Tatyana Ali is not the only original cast member to make an appearance on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air spin-off. Daphne Maxwell Reid, who was the second actress to portray Vivian Banks in the original Fresh Prince, appears in Bel-Air as Helen, a board member of the Art Council. Vernee Watson-Johnson, who portrayed Will's mother, Viola Smith, in Fresh Prince, makes an appearance as another board member in Bel-Air named Janice. Unlike Reid and Watson-Johnson, who only starred in one episode of Bel-Air,...

Peacock has released a new trailer for Bel-Air season 2 ahead of its February premiere. The iconic Will Smith comedy received a dramatic reimagining in 2022 from Peacock. While still maintaining the main story of the sitcom, Bel-Air takes the franchise in a much more serious and modern direction. Through the current reboot on Peacock, Bel-Air explores social topics via Will and the entire Banks family.

Now, Bel-Air season 2 is getting ready to premiere on Peacock next month. Bel-Air season 2 will see Will “at a crossroads" when a new figure enters his life and challenges what he’s discovered while living in Bel-Air.

At the very end of Bel-Air season 1, the show got into some of its most intense moments ever. As Will learned the truth about his father, he ran away to figure things out. Peacock has debuted a brand new Bel-Air season 2 trailer, giving another glimpse at the show's second year.

Another Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star is headed to Peacock’s dramatic reimagining.

Tatyana Ali has been cast in Season 2 of Bel-Air, TVLine has learned. She is set to play Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes, “the English Literature teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley, often giving her books from her personal collection,” according to the official description. You can get a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in the new Season 2 trailer, which also sees Will getting recruited by big-time basketball scouts and Carlton tangled up in a nasty fistfight. (Press Play above to watch the new trailer.

Daphne Maxwell Reid (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), Brett Butler (Grace Under Fire), Lynn Whitefield (The Josephine Baker Story), and Maureen McCormick (The Brady Bunch) guest star on Fox’s Fantasy Island season two episode four. “Mystery In Miami” will air on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 8pm Et/Pt.

Roselyn Sanchez leads the cast as Elena Roarke, a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke played by Ricardo Montalban in the original ’70s series. Kiara Barnes (The Bold and the Beautiful) plays Ruby Akuda and John Gabriel Rodriguez (Rosewood) stars as Javier.

“Mystery In Miami” Plot: Three best friends of fifty-plus years set out to track down the missing fourth member of their squad… in 1980s Miami! Meanwhile, Roarke confides in Segundo about letting people in, and Ruby’s cabin fever is an itch that needs to be scratched.

Season 2 Episode 1 “Tara and Jessica’s High School Reunion/Cat Lady” Preview Season...

For the first three seasons, Janet Hubert played “Aunt Viv” on The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air, dealing out wisdom to Will Smith’s Philadelphia transplant. Aunt Viv remained a constant on the show, but starting with season four, Daphne Maxwell Reid stepped into the role, giving pop culture enthusiasts a new term for sudden recastings. But to actors who replace other actors, the term “Aunt Viv” might have negative connotations.

At least, that’s the impression viewers get when watching Don Cheadle‘s reaction during an interview with GQ. “It’s famously known online how you ‘Aunt Viv’d’ Terrance Howard for the role of Rhodey,” the interviewer observed, prompting a look of shock from Cheadle. “I ‘Aunt Viv’d’ him?” he asks with incredulity, before clarifying, “I did not move Terrance out of a role.” However, he stumbles when trying to explain exactly what happened. “That’s… they had decided they weren’t…...

The second season of Bel-Air, the reboot of the original The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is coming to the Peacock streaming service on February 23. Bel-Air is a reimagined version of the original comedy sitcom, and it turns the story of Will Smith into a serious drama that deals with heady topics such as racial tension, culture shock, and poverty. It has its fans and is one of the most successful original shows on the streaming platform according to IndieWire. Its tone is far different from the original show that starred Will Smith playing a fictionalized version of himself.

The CW show was primarily a "fish out of water" comedy that poked fun at both Will's wealthy family and the ways he was unaccustomed to it and took advantage of it. But it also had plenty of instances of drama, exploring what it was like for the Banks to be a...