The first trailer has been released to the 41-year-old half-Afro-Panamanian actress’ upcoming The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion.
Will Smith posted the trailer for the special, which will debut on HBO Max on Thursday, November 19.
A highlight of the trailer features the surprise appearance of actress Janet Hubert, who played the NBC comedy’s original Aunt Viv and has, over the many years since, made her anger over the decision well known.
“I couldn’t celebrate 30 years of Fresh Prince without Janet,” Smith tells the surprised other members of the reunited cast.
In addition to Smith, Ali and Hubert, the unscripted special, shot on the old sitcom set, features Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro as well as recurring co-star DJ Jazzy Jeff. The cast also pays tribute to the late James Avery, who played patriarch Philip. Avery died in 2013.
Taped on the 30th anniversary of the original series premiere date, the special also includes a candid sit-down chat between Smith and Hubert, their first in 27 years.
Produced by Westbrook Media, the reunion will launch exclusively on HBO Max on November 19. HBO Max is the exclusive SVOD home of the full original series library in the US, debuting on the platform when it launched in May. Marcus Raboy directs the special. Raphael Saadiq serves as executive music producer.
Smith also is developing a Fresh Prince drama reboot at Peacock.
The 34-year-old part-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has been named one of the main stage headliners for the Essence Festival of Culture.
Mars will co-headline the event with Janet Jacksonas Essence celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Mars’ appearance will be his first time performing at the festival — and his only 2020 U.S. festival performance.
Essence Festival of Culture will expand for the first time from three to five days (July 1-5) in New Orleans, marking one day for each decade. This year’s theme is “Own Our Power.”
Jackson will be making her third appearance at the festival. Her appearance will take place during her newly announced Black Diamond World Tour, titled after her upcoming 12th studio album.
In addition to Jackson and Mars, the festival’s three-night concert series will include the following lineups at the Louisiana Superdome:
Main stage: Ari Lennox, Janelle Monae, Patti LaBelle, Raphael Saadiq (performing songs across his entire career from Tony! Toni! Tone! through his solo albums, including Jimmy Lee), Estelle Presents Reggae & Afrobeats Link Up featuring Afro B, Chronnix, Elephant Man, Kranium, Max Glazer, Maxi Priest, Shenseeaand more, Summer Walker, Swizz BeatzPresents In the Zone featuring guest artists.
Hosted by Loni Love with music by D-Nice, the main stage lineup will salute music icons each night, including a special anniversary celebration on July 4.
Superlounges: Casmé, D Smoke, Demi Grace, Doug E. Fresh Presents The Real Hip-Hop and R&B Party, Elah Hale, Goldlink, Jac Ross, Jamesdavis, Jidenna, June’s Diary, Kiana Lede, Kitty Cash, Leikeli47, Masego, Mr Eazi, Oswin Benjamin, Rapsody, Saweetie, SiR, Smino, Stokley, Tamia, Tank and the Bangas, TeaMarrr, The New Respects and Umi.
“This is a milestone year for Essence and our community as we celebrate 50 years of creating opportunities for our culture to shine and the role of black women in making it possible for us to do what no other brand has done,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, Inc.“To be able to say that at 50 years, we are black-owned, diversified across media, technology, commerce and live events, and impacting our culture in new and even deeper ways than ever before is a blessing – and one that comes with a tremendous responsibility to our community to continue to evolve, innovate and transform. That remains our focus and commitment as we work to ensure that we are here serving black women deeply and advancing black culture, economic ownership and inclusion globally for the next 50 years.”
Regarding Mars and Jackson, Ebanks added, “These two powerhouses, along with our robust slate of programming, performances and tributes, will continue our legacy of cultural excellence and dynamic, only-at-Essence experiences that excite, elevate and inspire.”
The 39-year-old Mexican actor/filmmaker will perform at this year’s Academy Awards, according to the show’s producers.
Garcia Bernal will be among the artists tackling this year’s Oscar nominated songs.
Garcia Bernal will be joined by Natalia LaFourcade and Miguel to sing “Remember Me” from Disney/Pixar’s Coco; with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Garcia Bernal voiced the character of deceased songwriter Héctor Rivera in the animated film, and his character wrote the song.
Other performers include Mary J. Blige, Andra Day, Keala Settle, Sufjan Stevens and Common.
Blige will perform “Mighty River.” Blige performed the song forMudbound, and she’s nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category. Blige wrote the Oscar-nominated song with Raphael Saadiq and Taura Stinson.
Common and Andra Day will perform his Oscar-nominated song “Stand Up For Something” from Marshall, his collaboration with Diane Warren.
Settle will perform the Oscar-nominated song “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.
Stevens will perform his Oscar-nominated song “Mystery of Love,” written for Call Me by Your Name.
“We’re excited to have these talented artists showcase the powerful contribution music makes to film making,” said De Luca and Todd. “It’s a privilege to welcome them to the 90th Oscars stage.”
The Jimmy Kimmel-hosted show is set for Sunday, March 4.
