Will Smith comeback to the big screen with “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has proven to be successful at the box office, helping the financially ailing summer months as well as the actor. The eagerly awaited action-comedy, the fourth entry in the well-liked series, made a solid $56 million opening weekend, according to Box Office Pro. After the controversial slap incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, Smith is making a major comeback with this.
Driven by a desire for classic, star-driven action movies, “Ride or Die” exceeded early estimates of a $40 million debut. The movie brought Smith and his crime-fighting buddy Martin Lawrence back together and provided the kind of intense entertainment that moviegoers have come to expect. This achievement is especially notable in light of the continuous difficulties the theater sector faces. While overall box office attendance is still 38% lower than in 2023, “Ride or Die” is a huge improvement over its appalling performance the week before.
When contrasted to “Bad Boys For Life,” the film’s opening weekend gross of $62.5 million in January 2020, makes it even more remarkable. Even if “For Life” had a little higher starting number, it’s crucial to take the situation into account. “Ride or Die” had to contend with a more cutthroat summer market, while “For Life” debuted in January’s pre-pandemic gloom. Furthermore, “For Life” received a better review score on Rotten Tomatoes than “Ride or Die,” which currently has a 64% rating. It currently has a 76% rating. This implies that the audience’s desire for more Bad Boys action may have been somewhat offset by any residual animosity after the Oscars event.
Looking beyond the borders of the country, “Ride or Die” made a successful premiere abroad as well, taking in an estimated $48.6 million in 60 markets. This widespread success enhances the movie’s already strong performance and sets it up for a possibly profitable run in theaters. For Sony Pictures, the film’s production company, the favorable reviews for “Ride or Die” are encouraging. It not only signals the Bad Boys franchise’s triumphant comeback but also the lasting attraction of Will Smith as a starring guy. The way the movie plays implies that people are ready to look past the scandals and appreciate Smith’s acting abilities.
Naturally, “Ride or Die”‘s long-term viability hinges on its capacity to sustain momentum in the upcoming weeks. Word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat viewings will be very important. Nonetheless, the movie’s promising start and widespread popularity imply that it could end up becoming a huge summer smash. Not only has Will Smith produced an action movie that will thrill moviegoers, but he has also brought back his box office magic with “Ride or Die,” demonstrating that people are still eager for Bad Boys.
