𝙽𝚈𝙲 [] — 2 years ago(August 23, 2023 10:14 AM)

The title of the script from Will Smith's impromptu audition at Quincy Jones' house read "Failed Morris Day Pilot". Apparently, the show was originally created with him as the star.
Kid 'N Play, who had a cartoon on NBC at the time, had a sitcom deal that ultimately morphed into Bel-Air after they turned it down. According to Christopher "Kid" Reid, NBC had cancelled their cartoon, and they got pretty salty about it, leading to them rejecting the deal. Ironically, Kid N' Play had gotten the leads roles for House Party after Will Smith and Jeff Townes turned it down a couple years prior.
Alfonso Ribeiro was almost let go following the pilot. He ultimately stayed on the show thanks to the staff.
Jada Pinkett actually tried out for the role of Lisa, but was denied because of the height difference between her and Will. Ironically, this is where the two first met and they would get married three years later.
Laurence Fishburne was offered the role of Lou, Will's father, in "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse", but the producers felt his demeanor was too laid back for the part. That and also Fishburne is eight years older than Smith. It was later offered to Ben Vereen.
Apparently, a reunion special featuring the surviving cast members was proposed, but ultimately scrapped. The special would've seen Will and the surviving Banks family coming together in the wake of Phil's death, which would've made Phil a case of The Character Died with Him.
According to Will Smith himself, the series now famous Theme Tune Rap almost didn't happen. The series was going to use a Quincy Jones composition, until Smith's musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff showed him a beat, and convinced him to record the series theme song over it.
According to Daphne Maxwell Reid, she didn't audition for the role of Vivian when she was first told about it in 1990. Three seasons later, she accepted the role following Janet Hubert-Whitten's firing.