The success of the Bad Boys Franchise showcases Will Smith’s enduring resilience in cinema.

While many believed that after the 2022 Academy Awards incident his career suffered a significant setback that he may not be able to overcome, Will Smith has defied the odds with his latest film Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Reuniting Smith and Martin Lawrence in their iconic roles, the film has garnered strong box office receipts, revitalizing the summer box office.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die | Credit: Sony Pictures
And the film has also propelled the beloved action comedy franchise to a major milestone by crossing the $1 billion global box office milestone, leading many to contemplate the impact of Hollywood controversies.

Will Smith’s Bad Boys Franchise Reaches a Significant Milestone

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die has catapulted the franchise to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide, as per Deadline. The film made a triumphant entry at the box office and has grossed $130 million worldwide so far.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the Bad Boys franchise | Credit: Sony
The fourth installment in the franchise opened with a $56 million domestic opening, surpassing other recent releases like The Fall Guy and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which struggled to make it big at the box office despite positive reception.

The previous installments in the series, Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, and Bad Boys For Life, have also performed very well at the box office, grossing $426 million, $141 million, and $273 million, respectively, worldwide.

Despite controversies surrounding Smith, its impact on Ride or Die appears less pronounced compared to his previous film, Emancipation. The latest installment is enjoying positive feedback from audiences, even sparking speculation about a potential fifth film in the series.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die | Credit: Sony Pictures
The film series has performed fairly well financially and with the franchise now officially crossing the $1 billion milestone, there is increased anticipation for future developments, potentially through a sequel or a spin-off.

People Reflect on the Success of the Bad Boys Franchise

The success of the Will Smith starrer Bad Boys franchise has sparked discussions about the true impact of Hollywood controversies. Following the 2022 Academy Awards incident where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage, many speculated it would mark a devastating blow to his career.
A still from Bad Boys | Credit: Sony Pictures
The fallout extended to several of his projects, including The Council and Netflix’s Fast and Loose, with uncertainty looming over their futures. Despite multiple apologies, Smith’s 2022 film Emancipation faced a lukewarm reception.

Initially viewed as a setback, the incident now serves as a backdrop to the franchise’s latest achievement: surpassing $1 billion. This milestone has prompted reflections on the lasting effects of controversies in Hollywood.

“They really thought Will Smith was done after the slap,” one person said on X (Twitter), reacting to the franchise reaching the major milestone. Amid varying reactions, supporters of both the actor and the film series expressed enthusiasm.

Many also discussed how the Oscar-winning actor has showcased his enduring star power and continued appeal, suggesting potential for even greater success in future endeavors, as they share their expectations for a potential fifth installment.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is playing in theatres.

Bad Boys film series is available to stream on Hulu.