Will Smith lives to fight another day.
Thanks to a huge $56 million opening weekend at the domestic box office, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is officially the actor's first major hit since he infamously slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.
According to Deadline, the film, which sees Smith once again join forces with Martin Lawrence, surpassed its expected $40 and $50 million projections for what becomes the biggest R-rated opening since Oppenheimer was released last summer. The film comes at a time when the domestic box office seems to be in peril, thanks in large part to Furiosa absolutey bombing upon its release last month.
It also marks the sixth-highest domestic opening of Smith's illustrious career, and his 18th No. 1 opening as a lead. The film was also a massive hit overseas, making $104.6 million internationally. Shot on a budget of $100 million, the success of the fourth installment in the popular franchise proves that audiences still have an appetite for Smith, despite the controversies that have plagued his offscreen life in recent years.
Smith and Lawrence embarked on a torrid press run leading up to the film's release, which likely helped it become a hit. The actors hit three continents and ten cities for red-carpet events in Dubai, Riyadh, Madrid, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, and more. The film was also heavily promoted across various live sporting events across the NBA, UFC, and MLB.
ESPN also teamed up with Sony Pictures for commercials starring Miami sports stars Jimmy Butler and Lionel Messi trying to be part of the Bad Boys duo alongside Smith and Lawrence. If that weren't enough, a behind-the-scenes clip of Smith handling a camera while filming a gunfight scene for the film went viral on social media and had fans excited for all the upcoming action. Smith also secretly watched the film with a packed theater, and stunned moviegoers after the credits rolled.
Check out that epic video below.
