Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Confirm 'Bad Boys 4' In The Works

The "Bad Boys" are back in business!

Over two decades after the first "Bad Boys" project was released, it has been confirmed that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will reunite for a fourth part of the film series. So far, the franchise has brought in a whopping $840.7 million at the global box office, with its third installment, "Bad Boys for Life," accounting for over $426 million of the loot. The Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah-directed film made $73 million domestically in its first four days of release. 

Smith and Lawrence shared their excitement for the upcoming movie in an Instagram video with the caption, "IT'S ABOUT THAT TIME!" The clip opened with Smith hopping into his car for a drive to his co-star's house, effectively hitting himself in the face with his camera as he told viewers to "better stop scrolling."

The four-time Grammy Awards winner then played the opening lines of "Shake Ya Tailfeather," — which Nelly, Diddy, and Murphy Lee performed for the "Bad Boys II" soundtrack.

"I wish I was you, not knowing what I'm about to show me," Smith added after cutting the song off. Upon arriving at Lawrence's door, the co-stars excitedly hugged each other before promptly declaring that the fourth installment was officially on its way.

"It's about that time!" Lawrence yelled as his buddy chimed in, "Bad boys for life, baby," birthing a hilarious admittance that they wasted the "for life" pun on the third film's title.

"We're READY for Bad Boy whatever number it is," one fan wrote as DJ Jazzy Jeff quipped, "Wowowowowowowowow." DJ Khaled yelled, "Let's go !!!!!,' and Charlie Mack commented, "What we gone do, when we come 4 them!!!!! Put me in coach for the Last Hoorah!!!!!! #BB4Life.” Nick Cannon also stepped into the comment section with the suggestion to "Call it BAD BOYS 4 EVER!!!" 

"'Emancipation' was dope, but THIS is the comeback I was waiting for you! #BigWill #MartyMar," one fan wrote, getting Smith to reply, "A great man once said, "Don't call it a comeback, I been here for years!""

While one person called for an appearance by Gabrielle Union, another suggested that the film should feature Chris Rock, jokingly referencing last year's infamous Oscars fiasco when Smith slapped the comedian on stage.

The news of a fourth "Bad Boys" movie was confirmed by Sony Pictures, who detailed that the yet-to-be-titled sequel was already in pre-production with El Arbi and Fallah returning to direct.

Chris Bremner has handled fleshing out the script with Jerry Bruckheimer, Smith for Westbrook, Chad Oman, and Doug Belgrad back in their producer's chairs. Meanwhile, Lawrence, Barry Waldman, James Lassiter, Mike Stenson, and Jon Mone will be the project's executive producers. 

Following the announcement of "Bad Boys For Life," Nicki Swift delved into the off-screen relationship between Lawrence and Smith, highlighting how highly they spoke of each other during interviews.

During a 2020 conversation, Lawrence had admitted, "[We have a] great deal of respect and love for each other," with Smith interjecting, "We just understand each other. We know how to support each other. When you just understand each other it's like such a deep gift to not have to explain what you need."

Even though the Fresh Prince and the "Martin" star had not worked on any project since 2003, their bond remained intact thanks to their maintaining communication with each other over the years. After declaring his love for the 54-year-old, Lawrence divulged that their constant check-ins made their reunion for the third film even more special. 

For the "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins" actor, it "felt good" seeing his friend whenever he looked across the room. The duo even enjoyed doing things together, including cracking jokes with each other in "between takes." Recalling their first meeting, Lawrence stated:

"We talked for a little bit, and it just felt natural. We made each other laugh."

The moment was so impressionable that Lawrence handpicked Smith to star in the first "Bad Boys" film, kickstarting a friendship that would go beyond the big screens.