Contrary to what anyone may have thought back in the time, The Bad Boys franchise has now run for over 30 years, with the latest film premiering as recently as June 2024. With a long gap in between, the famous duo of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are still very much the bad boys of the industry.
However, the return to this third sequel also raised a question about the possible future of the franchise, with almost all big-budget productions looking to expand the business these days in Hollywood. To continue this franchise in its real essence, both Smith and Lawrence will have to return, and they will if the film meets some conditions.
In a latest interview with Entertainment Weekly, Smith and Lawrence explained that they are open to returning for the sequels, given that there's a story to tell, there are fewer stunts and demand from fans.
This seemingly keeps the door open for a new Bad Boys movie in the future, given that the makers come up with an interesting story, which should not be a huge problem with the brilliant cast and chemistry of characters.
What did Will Smith and Martin Lawrence say about returning to a possible Bad Boys sequel?
Both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the stars behind the hugely successful Bad Boys franchise, revealed that they were willing to join a possible Bad Boys 5 if their conditions were met.
Oscar-winning star Will Smith commented that they would have to leave the majority of stunts to younger actors if they were to return in the future. He also said there should be a story worth telling if a fifth film was to be made.
Will Smith told EW:
"Well, these younger actors are going to need to do more of the stunts, that's for sure. It is a world and characters that are just an absolute joy to be with. In a movie theater with Mike and Marcus, it just feels like home. So, as long as there's a reason — I never wanted to be one of those dudes who make sequels just because people will go."
He expanded:
"I want to make them because there is something to say and the characters have a place that they're developing to that will be interesting and fun to watch and maybe even a little helpful. Is there something that can happen in these characters' lives that is worth asking people to go to a movie theater for? And with this movie, the answer is a resounding yes."
Lawrence expanded on this saying he also wanted audience demand for the movie to happen, which is usually a pre-requisite for any long-drawn sequel. Lawrence added:
"We always have so much fun making these movies and you’ve got to give the fans what they want. Will and I have a great time working together, so as long as the fans want it and the demand is there, I’ll keep trying to give them what they want. We’ll have to see. You know I never say never, but it also has to make sense. If the fans ask for it, you know we could be back."
Of course, many other variables would come into play when talking about a possible sequel to Bad Boys. It is still too early to say whether Bad Boys: Ride or Die will become a success. But if it does, it could be one more step towards a fourth sequel in the future.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is currently playing in the theatres.