Complex is exclusively revealing the character portraits of the Bel-Aircastahead of the Season 2 premiere on Thursday, Feb. 23. The photos include portraits of Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks), Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones (Hilary Banks), Akira Akbar (Ashley Banks), Jimmy Akingbola (Geoffrey), Jordan L. Jones (Jazz) and Simone Joy Jones (Lisa).
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, Calif. 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.
Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley in the original for six seasons, has joined the series’ second season. Deadline reported Ali will play Mrs. Hughes, an English middle school teacher “who sees something special in Ashley (Akira Akbar), often giving her books from her personal collection.” The actress addressed her new role via Twitter, writing, “Cats out the bag. There’s no going back now. … Buckle up!”
Bel-Air is produced by Universal Television and Westbrook Studios, a division of Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s production company, Westbrook Inc.