Nearly three decades after they first teamed up, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have demonstrated that their on-screen chemistry is as dynamic as ever, with the Los Angeles premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die.” The iconic duo made a grand entrance on a double-decker bus, engaging with fans in a lively call-and-response: “When I say bad, you say boys,” Smith rallied the crowd with a microphone, via Meath Chronicle .
The blue carpet event was a family affair for Smith. His wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, along with their children Jaden and Willow, Smith’s son Trey from his previous marriage, and Pinkett Smith’s mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris, all showed their support. The event was charged with excitement as Smith greeted fans, signed autographs, and took pictures before joining a marching band and his co-stars to celebrate the fourth installment in the “Bad Boys” series.
This premiere marked a significant public appearance for Smith following the controversial moment over two years ago when he slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. Since then, Smith has continued to capture the public’s admiration, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard” later that evening.
Reflecting on his initial meeting with Lawrence for the first “Bad Boys” film in 1995, Smith said, “It was definitely love at first sight. Martin had this script, so Martin actually brought me into ‘Bad Boys’ and from the first time we sat and we talked, the chemistry was just magic.” Lawrence reciprocated the sentiment, describing Smith as “a brilliant mind” and “a people person” who “just wants the best, not only for himself but for people.”
The latest film continues the adventures of detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett of the Miami Police Department. “At the center of this franchise is an idea, ride or die, and that is a real concept about loyalty and friendship and support, that resonates deeply with people,” Smith noted on the carpet. “Everybody wants somebody like Mike or Marcus by their side.”
Returning cast members Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Joe Pantoliano, and Paola Nunez were joined by newcomers Ioan Gruffudd, Eric Dane, and Tiffany Haddish, who described Smith as her “ride or die.”
Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who also directed the 2020 installment, expressed their minimal need to direct the iconic duo, stating, “Will and Martin, the chemistry they have is magical, I can’t explain what it is but it’s there. For us as directors, we don’t really need to direct them, we are just sitting there watching them playing and having fun – so it’s an honor to direct the best duo of cinema for us.”
As the franchise continues to thrive, the enduring partnership of Smith and Lawrence remains a testament to their timeless appeal and shared dedication to their roles.