Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have once again proven that age is just a number with their latest film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” In an interview with Empire magazine earlier this year, the duo passionately rejected the notion that they were too old for action-packed roles. “We refuse! We refuse!” Smith exclaimed, with Lawrence echoing, “We are as young as we feel!” Their youthful energy has clearly resonated with audiences, as “Ride or Die” debuted with an impressive $56.5 million last weekend.
Smith recently announced that the fourth installment has propelled the “Bad Boys” franchise past the $1 billion mark at the global box office. This milestone is a testament to the enduring appeal of the series, which began in 1995 with the original “Bad Boys” directed by Michael Bay. The film marked Smith’s first lead role in a movie, transitioning him from sitcom star to Hollywood heavyweight. Lawrence, already a seasoned actor with roles in “House Party” and “Do the Right Thing,” brought his own brand of charisma to the partnership. Their on-screen chemistry, combined with Bay’s explosive directing style, catapulted “Bad Boys” to $141.4 million worldwide.
The sequel, “Bad Boys II,” released in 2003, nearly doubled the original’s earnings. However, it was “Bad Boys for Life” in 2020 that truly solidified the franchise’s box office dominance. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the film grossed $426.5 million globally, making it the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office that year. This success undoubtedly paved the way for the rapid production of “Ride or Die.”
While “Ride or Die” may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it is well on its way to becoming another box office hit. The film was recently dethroned from the No. 1 spot by Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” but it is expected to add another $31.5 million to its domestic total, pushing it past the $100 million mark. The contrasting genres of an animated family movie and an R-rated action-comedy have provided a balanced offering for theatergoers, much to the relief of cinema owners.
This release also marks Smith’s return to the big screen following the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped Chris Rock on stage. Despite his 10-year ban from the Academy Awards, Smith’s star power remains undiminished, as evidenced by the strong box office performance of “Ride or Die.”
The “Bad Boys” franchise’s journey to the billion-dollar milestone is a remarkable achievement. From its humble beginnings in 1995 to its current status as a box office juggernaut, the series has consistently delivered high-octane entertainment. The chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, combined with the franchise’s signature blend of action and humor, has kept audiences coming back for more.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” may not surpass the $426.5 million global earnings of “Bad Boys for Life,” but it is poised to make a significant impact. With its strong opening weekend and continued box office success, the film is likely to crack the $400 million mark worldwide. Smith and Lawrence have proven that they are far from being “too old for this s**t,” and their latest outing is a testament to their enduring appeal.
As the “Bad Boys” franchise continues to break records and captivate audiences, it is clear that Smith and Lawrence have no intention of slowing down. Their refusal to be defined by age, combined with their undeniable chemistry and star power, has driven the series to new heights. With “Ride or Die” propelling the franchise past the billion-dollar milestone, the future looks bright for these iconic action heroes.
