Los Angeles, CA – Sony’s latest film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” has reinvigorated the box office, surpassing expectations with a $56 million domestic opening and a global total of $104.6 million. The movie, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, marks a significant milestone in Smith’s career, following a two-year hiatus after the infamous Oscars incident.
“Ride or Die,” the fourth installment in the popular franchise, received praise from audiences and critics alike, earning an A- CinemaScore and attracting a diverse audience, with 44 percent of viewers aged 18 to 34. The film’s success also highlights Smith’s enduring popularity among younger moviegoers and Black audiences, who made up a significant portion of the opening weekend turnout.
The film’s performance has exceeded industry projections, outpacing initial estimates of a $48 to $50 million opening. It now stands as the second-highest domestic debut of the season, trailing only “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which premiered with $58 million in ticket sales.
Following the success of “Bad Boys for Life,” which grossed $426 million globally before the pandemic-induced theater closures, “Ride or Die” continues the story of Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett as they navigate a dangerous underworld to clear their late captain’s name. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film showcases Smith’s return to the big screen in a major theatrical release since the Oscars incident.
Industry insiders have noted a newfound enthusiasm for Smith’s future projects, with his agents actively seeking new opportunities following the positive reception of “Ride or Die.” The film’s success also bodes well for Sony Pictures Motion Group CEP Tom Rothman, whose studio secured the top two spots at the box office with “Bad Boys” and “The Garfield Movie.”
As Smith embarks on a potential career renaissance, audiences can anticipate more thrilling developments in the entertainment industry. The success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” serves as a promising sign of brighter days ahead for both Smith and the film industry as a whole.