The Fresh Prince And Carlton Banks: 7 Shocking New Projects And The Bel-Air Finale Cameo

The iconic rivalry-turned-brotherhood between Will Smith's "Fresh Prince" and Alfonso Ribeiro's Carlton Banks remains one of television's most beloved dynamics, and their careers continue to make headlines today, December 15, 2025. While the original *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* ended decades ago, the two actors are currently dominating both the big screen and primetime television, all while a new generation of Banks family drama concluded its run on Peacock.

From blockbuster film franchises to hosting America’s most-watched clip show, both Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro have secured their status as entertainment heavyweights. Their professional lives and personal friendship are as strong as ever, proving that the magic of Bel-Air is far from over, especially following a major surprise in the recent series finale of the dramatic reboot.

The Dynamic Duo's Latest Moves: Will Smith & Alfonso Ribeiro's 2024-2025 Projects

The original Fresh Prince and Carlton Banks have carved out distinctly successful paths, with both actors having a massive year in 2024 and major projects lined up for 2025. Their current work demonstrates their versatility and enduring appeal to a global audience.

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Will Smith (The Fresh Prince) - The Blockbuster King

Will Smith's career has seen a major resurgence in 2024 with the highly anticipated return to one of his most famous action roles. His recent activities solidify his position as a global box office draw.

• Major 2024 Release: Smith returned as Detective Mike Lowrey alongside Martin Lawrence's Marcus Burnett in the sequel, *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*. The film was released in June 2024 and marked a significant box office success, confirming the franchise's staying power.
• Upcoming Sci-Fi Sequel: One of his most anticipated future projects is *I Am Legend 2*, where he will reprise his role as Robert Neville. The post-apocalyptic sequel is currently in development and has fans buzzing about the return to the universe.
• New Thriller Project: Smith is also slated to star in and produce the mysterious sci-fi thriller *Resistor*. This project is currently shrouded in secrecy, but it signals Smith's continued focus on high-concept, big-budget cinema.
• Other Development Projects: His slate is packed with other titles in development, including *Aladdin 2*, *Brilliance*, *The Council*, and *Fast And Loose*, ensuring he will remain a fixture in Hollywood for years to come.

Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks) - The Primetime Host

Alfonso Ribeiro has masterfully transitioned from acting to becoming one of America's most recognizable television hosts. His current schedule is one of the busiest in primetime.

• America's Funniest Home Videos (AFV): Ribeiro is currently hosting his 10th season of *America's Funniest Home Videos*. The show is the longest-running primetime entertainment program in ABC history, a testament to his success in the role.
• Dancing with the Stars (DWTS): He serves as the co-host of the reality competition series *Dancing with the Stars* alongside Julianne Hough. This role is a natural fit, as Ribeiro is a former *DWTS* champion himself.
• Wildlife Series Host: In addition to his major primetime roles, he also hosts the Saturday Morning Wildlife series, *Jack Hanna's Passport*, further diversifying his television portfolio.
• Acting Future: While primarily focused on hosting, Ribeiro has indicated he is open to acting collaborations, especially with his former co-star.

The Bel-Air Legacy: New Carlton and Fresh Prince Say Goodbye in Season 4

The dramatic reboot, *Bel-Air*, which reimagined the classic sitcom for a modern audience, recently concluded its run, bringing the story of the new Will and Carlton to a close. The final season was filled with major developments that connected the new show to its beloved predecessor.

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The Peacock series, which featured Jabari Banks as Will Smith and Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, premiered its fourth and final season in November 2024, with episodes released through December 8. This final run consisted of eight episodes, a slight change from previous seasons.

The Original Aunt Viv Returns and The Will Smith Cameo

The final season of *Bel-Air* made headlines by welcoming back a significant figure from the original series: Janet Hubert. Hubert, who played the original Aunt Viv for the first three seasons of *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, joined the cast of the reboot's final season in a guest role, creating a full-circle moment for fans of the franchise.

However, the biggest surprise was saved for the series finale. The final episode featured a shocking and heartfelt cameo from the original Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith. This unexpected appearance was a major moment for fans, officially linking the original sitcom to the dramatic reboot and providing a powerful, emotional conclusion to the *Bel-Air* narrative. The show's creator, Morgan Cooper, called the cameo a powerful way to reflect on the show's end.

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The dynamic between the new Will and Carlton, played by Jabari Banks and Olly Sholotan, was the emotional core of the reboot, mirroring the complex relationship between their predecessors. While the new series explored themes of race, class, and family with a dramatic lens, the central conflict and eventual bond between the two cousins remained the heart of the story, a direct nod to the legacy of the original Fresh Prince and Carlton Banks.

More Than Co-Stars: The Enduring Friendship of Will and Alfonso

The relationship between Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro extends far beyond their time on the set of the Banks family mansion. Despite the show ending in 1996, the two actors have maintained a close friendship, a rarity in Hollywood.

Smith has often spoken about the depth of his relationship with Ribeiro, noting that the bond they formed while filming the series has lasted for decades. They communicate "every once in a while," proving that the chemistry fans saw on screen was genuine.

The Future of Collaboration

With both stars currently at the peak of their respective careers, the question of a future on-screen collaboration is frequently raised. Alfonso Ribeiro has been open about the possibility, stating that he would collaborate with Will Smith again. While a full-scale *Fresh Prince* reunion is unlikely given the passing of James Avery (Uncle Phil), a joint project between the two friends remains a possibility.

The enduring appeal of the Fresh Prince and Carlton Banks is a testament to the sitcom's timeless writing and the undeniable chemistry between the two leads. Whether it’s Will Smith leading a major action movie or Alfonso Ribeiro hosting a beloved family show, their shared legacy continues to influence pop culture—from the iconic *Carlton Dance* to the complex family dynamics of Bel-Air. Their personal and professional lives in 2024 and 2025 prove that while the show may be over, the "Fresh Prince" era is eternal.