Like Will Smith, who famously transitioned from music to acting in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Coco Jones initially carved her path in music before becoming a Disney star and landing the iconic role of Hilary Banks in Peacock’s reimagined drama, Bel-Air. This parallel highlights a fascinating aspect of both actors’ careers: their ability to navigate and excel in different creative industries, much like the character of Hilary Banks herself, who constantly evolves and adapts.
This summer, the worlds of music and Bel-Air collided when Smith and Jones shared a stage at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Ahead of Bel-Air‘s season three premiere on August 15th, the duo treated attendees to a performance that bridged generations. Smith, the original Fresh Prince, rapped his Grammy-winning hit “Summertime,” while Jones, the modern Hilary Banks, sang the song’s memorable chorus. This collaboration not only celebrated Smith’s musical roots but also served as a vibrant promotion for the new season of Bel-Air, emphasizing the show’s connection to its predecessor while forging its own contemporary identity.
Hilary Banks: More Than Just Fashion in Bel-Air
For fans of the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Hilary Banks is synonymous with high fashion and a certain level of delightful ditziness. However, Bel-Air’s Hilary, played with nuance and ambition by Coco Jones, retains the fashion-forward spirit but adds layers of entrepreneurial drive and modern sensibilities. As Jones explains to The Hollywood Reporter, this Hilary is not content to simply rely on her wealthy father, Uncle Phil. Instead, she is a budding influencer and entrepreneur with a serious passion for cooking.
This modern Hilary Banks is proactive and innovative. She establishes her own influencer house with her friend Ivy, portrayed by Karrueche Tran, creating a safe and collaborative space for women creators. This initiative reflects the current cultural landscape of social media influencing and entrepreneurship, making Hilary a relatable and aspirational figure for today’s audiences. Her ambition and drive are central to her character arc in Bel-Air, showcasing a significant departure from the original sitcom portrayal while staying true to the essence of Hilary’s independent spirit.
The Pressures of Influence and Authenticity
The series delves into the pressures Hilary faces in the influencer world, a reality that resonates deeply with Coco Jones herself. The need to constantly amass followers and secure brand partnerships for her influencer house creates significant stress. Jones openly discusses the comparison game inherent in social media, acknowledging the anxieties of feeling inadequate or overwhelmed by the curated online personas of others.
“There’s always the comparison aspect of seeing what other talented people do, the output they have in their social media and feeling like you’re not doing enough, or maybe you’re doing too much and not keeping it mysterious enough,” Jones reflects. This vulnerability adds depth to her portrayal of Hilary, making her struggles relatable to a generation grappling with the pressures of online visibility and validation. However, Jones emphasizes the importance of authenticity as a guiding principle, both for herself and for Hilary. She believes that genuine connection stems from staying true to oneself, a crucial message in the often-artificial world of social media.
Romantic Entanglements and Personal Growth
Beyond her professional ambitions, Hilary’s romantic life in Bel-Air season three continues to be complex. Her lingering feelings for Jazz, played by Jordan L. Jones, complicate her rekindled romance with her ex-boyfriend LaMarcus, portrayed by Justin Cornwell. This love triangle adds another layer to Hilary’s character, exploring her emotional vulnerabilities and challenges in navigating relationships.
Jones offers a straightforward explanation for Hilary and Jazz’s ongoing romantic hurdles: “They’re just too different.” While acknowledging their comfortable dynamic and “ying and yang tendencies,” she highlights fundamental incompatibilities that prevent a lasting relationship. This storyline explores the distinction between comfort and compatibility, a common theme in modern relationships. Hilary’s journey in season three involves confronting these romantic realities and undertaking a path of self-discovery, even if she initially appears to be in a state of “blissful avoidance.”
Legacy and Approval: Passing the Hilary Banks Torch
Bel-Air has embraced its connection to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by featuring cameos from original cast members. After appearances from Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks) and Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian Banks) in previous seasons, season three welcomes Joseph Marcell, the original Geoffrey. This integration of original cast members provides a sense of continuity and nostalgia, bridging the gap between the two shows and offering a stamp of approval from the original stars.
Crucially, Karyn Parsons, the original Hilary Banks, has publicly praised Coco Jones’ interpretation of the character. Jones recounts a meaningful conversation with Parsons, where the original Hilary expressed her admiration and approval, stating that she is “normally very picky” but loves Jones’ portrayal. This endorsement is a significant validation for Jones, signifying a passing of the torch and a recognition of her successful reimagining of the iconic character for a new generation.
Coco Jones: Balancing Music and Acting
Coco Jones’ career mirrors that of Will Smith in its dual trajectory of music and acting. Having won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her track “ICU,” and with her single “Sweep It Up” released on August 16th, Jones is actively pursuing her music career alongside her role in Bel-Air. She appreciates the separation between her real life as a musical artist and her on-screen persona as the foodie influencer Hilary Banks.
“My authentic truth is I like the separation, because in my real life I have so much mental chaos trying to balance everything,” Jones admits. This distinction allows her to manage the demands of both careers while maintaining a sense of personal identity. However, she playfully entertains the idea of Hilary Banks exploring music within the show, perhaps even comically, suggesting a willingness to further develop and diversify her character within the Bel-Air universe. And in a nod to future aspirations, Jones also hinted at her interest in potentially playing Princess Tiana in a live-action Princess and the Frog remake, demonstrating her wide-ranging ambitions and talents.
Bel-Air season three premiered on Peacock on August 15th, with new episodes released every Thursday, continuing the reimagined story of the Banks family and Hilary’s evolving journey as a modern woman in Bel-Air.
