"Bad Boys 4" may rescue the year's film releases
Following his controversy at the Oscars in 2022 where he slapped Chris Rock, Will Smith has had a quiet period. However, he's now making a comeback with the success of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" on the big screen. Fans are showing their love and support to the 55-year-old actor as he sneaks into the cinema without being recognized.
Since the slapping incident at the Oscar ceremony two years ago, Will Smith has faced ridicule on social media. However, it appears audiences have moved on as his new film "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" got off to a great start in theaters. It's his first successful project since the incident.
Despite the negative press in recent years, fans continue to show their unconditional support. This was evident when Smith visited a cinema in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, to watch the movie. In an Instagram video, he explains secret cinema visits as a "ritual" for him. Sitting in the back row with a hat and mask, he was surrounded by laughter and applause. Upon leaving, he approaches fans, saying, "Hey, I'm glad you all liked it!" They eagerly surround him, wanting pictures or a hug.
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" made $56 million in the US at the opening weekend. Globally, it earned $104.6 million. While not an overwhelming result, it's still considered a success. "Bad Boys for Life" had a better opening in 2020 - $62.5 million - during the pandemic. "Bad Boys 3" was the top film of the first pandemic year.
How long will Will Smith's comeback last?
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" could be a lifeline for Will Smith's career and possibly save 2024 from being a disappointing year for movies. Compared to the past few releases like "Argylle," "Madame Web," and "The Fall Guy," this film has performed better. Unfortunately, the movie industry has seen a 26% drop in ticket sales compared to the same period last year.
Smith's first film post-Oscar scandal, "Emancipation," didn't make a splash during its brief theatrical release at the end of 2022. But his new movie, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," may help him recover. To promote the film, he was invited to popular YouTube show "Hot Ones" where he eats chicken wings with some of the hottest sauces while being interviewed by host Sean Evans. Smith's reputation is slowly making a comeback.
It remains to be seen how long this solid success will remain for Will Smith's career. The first "Bad Boys" film came out in 1995, marking his first significant box office hit following a successful career as a rapper and TV star. Between the mid to late 90s, Smith was one of Hollywood's most powerful figures, starring in several summer blockbusters like "Independence Day" and "Men in Black." Can he soon return to the same level of success?
