Can ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’ Jump-Start Will Smith’s Comeback?

The star has been quietly putting out feelers for new roles in recent weeks as the film prepares to open — and provide the fuel to relaunch his movie career, or so he hopes.

 

Will Smith has been a household name for decades, known for his charisma, talent, and versatility. However, his career hit a significant roadblock after the infamous incident at the Oscars in 2022, when he slapped host Chris Rock on live television. This moment tarnished his image and led to a period of professional uncertainty. Now, with the release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Smith is hoping to reignite his career and return to the spotlight.

A High-Stakes Return

Bad Boys: Ride or Die couldn't be more aptly titled for Will Smith. The success of this film is crucial for his comeback, more than two years after the Oscar incident. In this fourth installment of the popular Bad Boys series, Smith reunites with Martin Lawrence in a fun-loving, buddy-cop comedy that fans have long awaited. The film represents a significant opportunity for Smith to reclaim his status as a box office draw.

Testing the Waters

In recent weeks, Smith's agents at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) have been actively seeking new roles for him, marking the first such efforts since the Oscars debacle. They have been reaching out to studio production executives to gauge interest and suggest potential projects for Smith. The hope is that a successful run for Bad Boys: Ride or Die will pave the way for new opportunities, with at least one major studio already considering Smith for a high-profile project if the movie performs well.

Challenges on the Road to Redemption

While the slap incident is a notable challenge, it is not the only one facing Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The film industry is currently experiencing a sluggish summer box office season, exacerbated by delays in major releases due to last year's strikes. This has created a difficult environment for any new release to thrive. Additionally, the habit of regular moviegoing has waned, posing a significant hurdle for Bad Boys 4.

The Hollywood Context

Despite these challenges, industry insiders remain cautiously optimistic. A major theater chain executive dismissed the idea that the slap incident would significantly impact the film's performance, suggesting that audiences are more interested in the entertainment value of a Bad Boys movie than a viral moment from two years ago.

Furthermore, prerelease tracking for Ride or Die shows promising numbers, with expectations of an opening between $40 million and $50 million. Sony, however, is conservatively estimating a $30 million debut, reflecting the current unpredictable marketplace. If the film can achieve the higher end of these projections, it would be a remarkable achievement for the $100 million project.

Smith's Future Projects

Beyond Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Smith has another high-profile project in the pipeline: I Am Legend 2. This sequel to the 2007 blockbuster sees Smith collaborating with Michael B. Jordan and writer Akiva Goldsman. Despite being announced shortly before the Oscars incident, the project is still in development, with no shooting script or director attached yet. Jordan has expressed his excitement about working with Smith, signaling strong support for his colleague's comeback.

Other potential projects, such as a reboot of Planes, Trains and Automobiles with Kevin Hart, have seen little progress. Thus, the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die is critical in setting the stage for Smith's future roles.

The Road Ahead

Smith's career has been marked by a mix of commercial hits and serious roles. While he has pursued more dramatic projects in recent years, there is a growing sentiment that a return to more lighthearted, fun roles could be beneficial. Social media metrics indicate a spike in interest for Bad Boys, driven in part by a new generation discovering Smith through platforms like TikTok.

A Hollywood insider noted, "When Will is having fun, we have fun with him." This sentiment underscores the importance of Smith choosing the right roles to rebuild his career. A successful run for Bad Boys: Ride or Die could open doors, but it will be his subsequent choices that determine his long-term comeback.

Conclusion

As Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits theaters, all eyes are on Will Smith. The film has the potential to be a pivotal moment in his career, providing the momentum needed for his return to Hollywood's A-list. Whether it leads to a full-fledged comeback depends on both its box office performance and the opportunities it creates for Smith's future projects.

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Source: Hollywood Reporter

Photo Credit: Frank Masi/Sony Pictures

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