NEW YORK — Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are reteaming for a fourth “Bad Boys” movie, in one of Smith’s most high-profile new projects since the slap.
Sony Pictures announced Tuesday that the untitled “Bad Boys” sequel is in early pre-production. In a video posted on Instagram, Smith filmed himself driving to Lawrence’s house. Embracing at the door, Smith exclaims, “It’s about that time!”
“It’s official!” Smith declares while announcing the new project is on the way.
Will Smith and Chris Rock:Everything to know about the infamous Oscars 2022 slap
Development on the “Bad Boys” sequel, which follows 2020’s “Bad Boys for Life,” was reportedly put on hold after Smith hit Chris Rock at last March’s Academy Awards.
Rock was presenting the Academy Award for best documentary feature when he joked about a possible “G.I. Jane” sequel in reference to Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, having a bald head. Pinkett Smith has opened up before about her struggle with alopecia.
Smith appeared to first laugh at Rock’s joke, though Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes and looked upset. Afterward, Smith walked up to the stage, slapped Rock and returned to his seat.
“Will Smith just slapped the (expletive) out of me,” Rock deadpanned to the audience.
“Keep my wife’s name out of your (expletive) mouth,” Smith shouted.
Smith would later that night win the Academy Award for best actor for his performance as Serena and Venus Williams’ father, Richard Williams, in “King Richard.”
Last May, Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman disputed reports the “Bad Boys” movie was on hold after the controversy.
“There weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving,” said Rothman.
“That was a very unfortunate thing that happened, and I don’t think it’s really my place to comment, except to say that I’ve known Will Smith for many years, and I know him to be a good person. That was an example of a very good person having a very bad moment, in front of the world. I believe his apology and regret is genuine, and I believe in forgiveness and redemption.”
Shortly before the pandemic shuttered theaters, “Bad Boys for Life” was a box-office hit, grossing $426 million worldwide. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is returning for the fourth film, as are “Bad Boys For Life” directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.
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Contributing: Angie Orellana Hernandez, USA TODAY
Story Credit: usatoday.com