Bad Boys: Ride or Die, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, soared at the box office in its opening weekend, proving that even a “bad boy” in real life can get a second chance.
Smith, who returned to his iconic role of Detective Mike Lowrey in the fourth installment of the cop buddy franchise, stunned the world when he stormed the stage at the live broadcast of the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, and slapped Chris Rock across the face. The comedian had made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Along with being banned from attending any Oscar-related ceremony for the next 10 years, many wondered if Smith would have any box office power after the fallout. But it seems that the Black community has forgiven Smith his past transgressions and is showing its allegiance to the actor with its presence and dollars. The film has grossed $56 million in the United States and Canada and $48.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $104.6 million. Strong support from Black media also put the movie and Smith back in the spotlight.
Here are some of the statements shared on X (formerly Twitter) with fans declaring how and why they showed up and showed out for Smith, Lawrence and the film franchise.
The black community showed up & showed out for Black Panther 1 to a billion dollars & now we showed up & showed out for Bad Boys 4 to make sure Hollywood knows we STILL ride with Will Smith! I love how the black community continues to show up & give Hollywood the message. pic.twitter.com/bkRFgTPCZq
— Andrew Taylor (@Just_Drew13) June 9, 2024
This Bad Boys press run prioritized Black media and Black spaces and I love Martin and Will for that.
— Candice Marie Benbow (@CandiceBenbow) June 8, 2024
I saw on his IG that Will showed up incognito to a regular showing in LA’s Baldwin Hills, which is Black AF. As folks were walking out, he revealed himself. Pandemonium ensued & he stood right in the middle taking selfies & talking to folks. 🔥 https://t.co/DETLVd0AMA
— April (@ReignOfApril) June 8, 2024
Martin Lawrence does so much for the comedy we enjoy in the #BadBoys franchise. So glad I got tickets to his comedy show coming up.
— Lisa (@LisaCreate) June 9, 2024
Will Smith reveals to a packed theater crowd that he was watching ‘BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE’ with them the entire time. pic.twitter.com/mOovcoxipI
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 8, 2024
Bad Boys 4 is a perfect movie.
It carefully handles like six characters,
talks about platonic soulmates between men,
destigmatizes anxiety attacks,
makes inside jokes for fans of the franchise,
has like four awesome action sequences,
and lets Martin be the star.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/FbuV62HCAi
— kyle alex brett (@kyalbr) June 9, 2024
