You imagine that it wasn’t discussed if a fourth Bad Boys film might happen. Because 2020’s long-awaited threequel ended up arriving with the title Bad Boys For Life – a name that would have been perfect for a fourth instalment in the series. But never mind – here we are, and given that For Life was a huge hit (earning over $400 million off a $90 million budget) it makes sense that Hollywood has pivoted right into another film. This one arrives with the title Bad Boys: Ride Or Die – and once again sees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return as cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, shooting their way through all kinds of antics. This time, their boss, played by Joe Pantoliano, is framed for nefarious antics – sending Mike and Marcus on the run by association. Check out the trailer:
As well as, notably, being part of Will Smith’s attempt to move beyond the, er… events of the 2022 Oscars, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die offers another piece of possible cinematic redemption. The film brings back For Life directors Adil & Bilall, who between instalments directed the Batgirl film that was unceremoniously shelved by Warner Bros, never making it to the screen, to much outcry. Their work on For Life was well-received, and it looks like they’re bringing more flair here – stylish compositions, drone photography, and a nifty shot locked to a gun as it flies from one hand to another. The screenplay comes from Chris Bremner, who also wrote on For Life. Also among the cast is Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Paola Nuñez.
Will Ride Or Die prove as much of a cinematic smash as For Life? Could we be looking at a future Bad Boys For Five down the line? We’ll find out when it hits cinemas on 5 June.