Dramatic Fresh Prince Reboot Based On YouTube Video In The Works

A drastic, dramatic re-interpretation of the popular '90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is currently in the works and being shopped to streaming networks, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Tentatively titled BEL-AIR, the new series recasts the familiar, previous story about a West Philadelphia teenager sent to live with his wealthy family in the upscale neighborhood of Bel Air, Los Angeles, after a confrontation with some gang members -- only this time around, that same story will be approached as a drama, rather than a comedy, and to reflect today's contemporary climate and setting.

The concept originated from a four-minute viral clip that was originally posted in March 2019 by Kansas City filmmaker Morgan Cooper. The clip, which you can watch below, quickly picked up steam and turned out to be a breakthrough video for Cooper, who is now collaborating with Will Smith on the series. (You can watch a longer, nine-minute video from Smith offering his feelings and reactions to the clip here.)

Original series producers Smith, Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, as well as creators Andy and Susan Borowitz are reportedly set to return as executive producers. Chris Collins (The Wire, Crash) will serve as showrunner, executive producer, and is set to co-write the script with Cooper.

HBO Max is currently the streaming home for the original series.