Will Smith and Martin Lawrence confirmed for ‘Bad Boys 4’

The “Bad Boys” are back in business!

More than two decades after the release of the first “Bad Boys” project, it has been confirmed that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will reunite for the fourth installment of the film series. The franchise has brought in $840.7 million at the global box office so far, with the third installment, “Bad Boys for Life,” accounting for more than $426 million of the haul. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film earned $73 million domestically in its first four days of release.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are gearing up for the latest installment in the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise

Smith and Lawrence took to Instagram to share their excitement about the upcoming film video with the following caption: “TIME IS DAMAGED! The clip began with Smith hopping into his car to drive to his co-star’s house, effectively punching himself in the face with the camera while telling viewers they “better stop scrolling.”

The four-time Grammy winner then played the opening lines of “Shake Ya Tailfeather” — performed by Nelly, Diddy and Murphy Lee on the “Bad Boys II” soundtrack.

“I wish I was you, not knowing what you’re gonna show me,” Smith added after cutting the song. Arriving at Lawrence’s door, the co-stars excitedly hugged each other before immediately announcing that the fourth installment was officially on the way.

– This is the time! Lawrence shouted as his buddy chimed in, “Bad boys for life, baby,” in hilarious admission that they wasted the “for life” pun on the third film’s title.

“We’re ready for Bad Boy, whatever track it is,” wrote one fan as DJ Jazzy Jeff yelled, “Wowowowowowowowow.” DJ Khaled shouted: “Let’s go!!!!!” and Charlie Mack commented: “What we go do when we arrive 4 them!!!!! Coach me for the Last Hurray!!!!!! #BB4Life.” Nick Cannon also took to the comments section with the suggestion, “Let’s call it BAD BOYS 4 EVER!!!”

“Emancipation was rough, but THIS is the comeback I’ve been waiting for! #BigWill #MartyMar,” one fan wrote, with Smith replying, “A great man once said, ‘Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years!’

While one person called for Gabrielle Union to appear, another suggested that the film should feature Chris Rock, jokingly referring to last year’s infamous Oscars fiasco when Smith slapped the comedian on stage.

The news was about a fourth “Bad Boys” movie confirmed by Sony Pictureswho detailed that the as-yet-untitled sequel was already prepared to be directed by El Arbi and Fallah.

Chris Bremner developed the screenplay with Jerry Bruckheimer, Westbrook Smith, Chad Oman and Doug Belgrad producing. Meanwhile, Lawrence, Barry Waldman, James Lassiter, Mike Stenson and Jon Mone will executive produce the project.

The bond between Hollywood heavyweights is strong

Following the announcement of ‘Bad Boys For Life’ Nicki Swift dug into it off-screen connection between Lawrence and Smith, highlighting how highly they spoke of each other during interviews.

In a 2020 conversation, Lawrence admitted, “We (really) respect and love each other,” Smith interjected: “We simply understand each other. We know how to support each other. When you just understand each other, it’s such a deep gift that you don’t have to explain what you need.”

Even though the Fresh Prince and the “Martin” star haven’t worked on any projects since 2003, their relationship has remained intact thanks to years of communication. After declaring her love for the 54-year-old, Lawrence revealed that their constant check-ins made their reunion for the third film even more special.

For the “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” actor, it was a “good feeling” to see his friend when he looked across the room. The couple was still happy to do things together, among other things, cracking jokes with each other “between the two”. Recalling their first meeting, Lawrence stated:

“We talked for a bit and it just felt natural. We made each other laugh.”

The moment was so touching that Lawrence cast Smith in the lead role in the first “Bad Boys” film, starting a friendship that went beyond the big screen.