Will Smith has made a triumphant return to the big screen with the latest installment in the “Bad Boys” franchise. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” opened with an impressive $56 million at the box office, exceeding expectations and proving that Smith is still a major draw for audiences.
The action comedy, directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, marks Smith’s first major theatrical release since his infamous altercation with Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Smith’s star power remains strong, as evidenced by the success of “Ride or Die.”
The film sees Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence reprise their roles as Miami detectives, embarking on a new adventure to uncover a conspiracy involving their late police captain. With a high CinemaScore of “A-” and strong audience turnout, “Ride or Die” has emerged as a critical and commercial success.
While the box office performance of “Ride or Die” falls slightly short of its predecessor, “Bad Boys for Life,” which opened with $62.5 million in 2020, it still represents a significant win for the industry. The film’s international earnings further bolster its success, with $48.6 million in overseas markets.
In a challenging year for movie theaters, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has provided a much-needed boost to the industry. With ticket sales down compared to previous years, the film’s strong performance signals a potential turning point for the box office.
Looking ahead, the release of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” will test the waters for theatrical releases, as the studio opts for a traditional rollout after several straight-to-streaming releases. With the summer movie season in full swing, audiences can expect more blockbuster hits and exciting releases in the coming weeks.
Overall, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” proves that Will Smith is back and better than ever, delighting audiences with his signature charm and action-packed performance. As one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Smith’s success with the film reaffirms his status as a box office powerhouse.