The latest installment in the Bad Boys franchise, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” continues to pay homage to its predecessors. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the film has received excellent audience reviews and a strong box office opening, expected to earn over $50 million.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, co-director Adil El Arbi discussed the various nods to previous films in the series, particularly focusing on a cameo by Michael Bay. Bay, who directed the first two Bad Boys movies, makes a humorous appearance in “Ride or Die.” This cameo serves as a tribute to the 2003 film “Bad Boys II.”
El Arbi explained that while “Bad Boys for Life” was more of an homage to the original 1995 movie, “Ride or Die” is a callback to “Bad Boys II.” He highlighted that the black Porsche featured in the latest film is the same type of car from the first movie, adding a double layer of homage.
Michael Bay’s cameo in “Ride or Die” is a humorous scene where he becomes frustrated with the leads, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, as they roam onto the street amidst speeding cars. Bay plays a driver in a black Porsche, a nod to the car that was prominently featured in the first movie. Although Bay is not reprising his previous role, the car serves as a subtle connection to the franchise’s roots.
Even while paying tribute to “Bad Boys II,” “Ride or Die” also acknowledges the original 1995 movie. The black Porsche, although not the exact same car, serves as a clever nod to the first film. This subtle connection helps maintain continuity within the franchise, even as Bay plays a different character.
Bay’s cameo is also a nod to his role as the director of the first two movies. By including numerous homages and allowing Bay to appear in a cameo role, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah ensure that they respect the source material and the original director. Both Bay and the Porsche contribute to making “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” a memorable sequel.
Overall, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” successfully honors its predecessors while offering a fresh and entertaining experience for fans of the franchise. The film’s numerous callbacks and homages, including Michael Bay’s cameo, help to create a sense of continuity and respect for the original movies.
