Will Smith is considered one of the most exceptional actors in Hollywood. However, his image has been marred by the infamous Oscars incident when he slapped the awards show host Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
The actor is however now aiming for a triumphant return to the big screen with the highly anticipated fourth installment in the ‘Bad Boys‘ franchise, ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’. All set to reprise his role as Miami detective Mike Lowrey, Smith will be starring alongside Martin Lawrence in the action-comedy series that began in 1995. Here’s what he thinks about his return.
Will Smith Can Soar Back To Success With ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘ will mark Will Smith’s first major theatrical release since the controversial incident at the Oscars over two years ago, where he slapped Chris Rock on stage. The film will serve as a crucial test of his box office appeal post-scandal.
According to an insider, the ‘Bad Boy‘ franchise is a golden opportunity for Will Smith to make a smooth comeback to the big screen. “Bad Boys is not a risk. It’s a good piece to see him soar. A talent as ambitious and financially successful as Will does not go away with one mistake,” the source said. He also asserted the importance of maintaining box-office success for Smith’s career.
Another source suggested that if ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘ performs well, it could significantly bolster Smith’s standing in Hollywood. The film will positively impact other projects he is involved in, including an ‘I Am Legend‘ sequel with Michael B. Jordan.
In case you missed it: Will Smith Opens Up About Vanessa Hudgens’ Baby Bump Problem And How It Was Tackled While Filming ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’
Will Smith’s Close Friends Says He “Loves The Attention On Big Screen”
Will Smith’s friend also mentioned that the actor is “ready for more of an impact with his work after laying low” post-Oscars incident. “He will always be a private guy in his personal life, but loves the attention on the big screen,” the insider added. “He is hoping for box-office magic with this film and a bright future with all he has going,” he said.
After the Oscars incident, Smith took up a project with Apple TV+ film ‘Emancipation’, which was released in December 2022. However, that project was primarily a streaming release, which took away the value it held in Smith’s career. It made ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘ a more significant theatrical test.
During the promotion of ‘Emancipation‘, Smith acknowledged that some of his audiences might not be ready to see him onscreen yet, saying he would “absolutely respect” their feelings.
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