Janet Hubert and Will Smith have buried the hatchet and reunited for HBO Max’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special.
It’s the first time the two have sat down and talked since Hubert was replaced on the series in 1993.
On Thursday, which marked the 30th anniversary of the hit sitcom’s premiere in 1990, Smith shared photos on Instagram from the upcoming special as filming gets underway.
“Today is exactly 30 YEARS since The @FreshPrince of Bel-Air debuted!” Smith wrote on Instagram. “So we’re doin’ something for y’all… a for real Banks Family Reunion is comin’ soon to @HBOmax! RIP James. #FreshPrince30th” Smith captioned the post.
He included a group shot of himself with Alfonso Ribeiro, Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and DJ Jazzy Jeff on set. The actor also paid tribute to James Avery, who played Uncle Phil and died in 2013. In a second photo, Smith is seen sitting with Hubert and smiling.
Related Story: Will Smith Explains Why ‘Bad Boys for Life’ Took So Long to Make
In a news release Thursday, HBO Max said, “Smith revealed that he sat down yesterday with Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, for the first time in 27 years for an emotional reunion and a candid conversation.”
Hubert’s inclusion in the special is a shocker, considering she blamed Smith for her firing and has repeatedly publicly bashed him. Over the years, she criticized the rapper-turned-actor, saying he was an “egomaniac” behind the scenes. At one point, Smith fired back claiming Hubert wanted the show to be all about her.
Judging by Smith’s Instagram photos, it appears the two may have finally found common ground. As previously reported, the Fresh Prince special will stream on HBO Max around Thanksgiving.
Earlier this week, NBC’s Peacock streaming service announced it ordered two seasons of Bel-Air, a dramatic reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Smith is set to produce the remake, which is based on cinematographer Morgan Cooper’s viral YouTube trailer.
