The highly anticipated trailer for the upcoming action-comedy film “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has finally dropped, and it’s everything fans of the franchise have been eagerly waiting for. The dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back, reprising their iconic roles as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, respectively, in what promises to be another adrenaline-fueled, hilarious adventure.
The trailer wastes no time in setting the tone, with a tongue-in-cheek opening that suggests the possible demise of Joe Pantoliano’s character, Capt. Conrad Howard. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the beloved captain is very much alive, albeit in dire need of his trusty Bad Boys to clear his name from a series of crimes he’s been falsely accused of committing.
Will Smith, fresh off his controversial Oscars incident, is back to doing what he does best – throwing hands and delivering witty one-liners. The actor’s charisma and on-screen presence are as captivating as ever, proving that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the action genre. Meanwhile, Martin Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett provides the perfect comedic foil, with his character’s tummy troubles and questionable dietary choices adding a layer of levity to the high-stakes situation.
Directed by the talented duo Adil & Bilall and written by Chris Bremner, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” boasts an impressive cast that includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, and Tiffany Haddish. This star-studded ensemble promises to bring fresh energy and diverse talents to the beloved franchise.
The film’s production team is equally impressive, with Will Smith himself serving as a producer alongside industry heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and Doug Belgrad. The executive producers include Martin Lawrence, Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, James Lassiter, Jon Mone, and Chris Bremner, ensuring that the project is in capable hands both in front of and behind the camera.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” marks the fourth installment in the highly successful “Bad Boys” franchise, which first premiered in April 1995. The original film grossed an impressive $141 million worldwide, spawning two sequels that continued to raise the bar in terms of both action and box office success. “Bad Boys II” (2003) earned $273 million, while “Bad Boys for Life” (2020) raked in a staggering $426 million, cementing the franchise’s status as a global phenomenon.
However, the future of the franchise was briefly called into question following Will Smith’s controversial actions at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage. At the time, “Bad Boys 4” was still in development, with Smith having his hands on an early draft of the script. Fans and industry insiders alike wondered if the incident would derail the project, but it seems that the strength of the franchise and the faith in Will Smith’s talent have prevailed.
In a July 2022 cover story for Ebony, Martin Lawrence assured fans that there would be “at least” one more film in the series. Sony Chairman Tom Rothman echoed this sentiment, stating that the film remained in development despite the controversy surrounding Smith. Rothman, who has known Smith for many years, described him as “a good person” who had “a very bad moment” in front of the world, and expressed his belief in forgiveness and redemption.
With the release of the “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” trailer, it’s clear that the franchise is back and better than ever. Fans can expect the same high-octane action, laugh-out-loud humor, and undeniable chemistry between Smith and Lawrence that made the previous films so beloved. As the Bad Boys prepare to ride or die once more, audiences can buckle up for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience when the film hits theaters on June 7.
