Will Smith is back in action with a bang! The Hollywood star has scored another box office hit with his latest movie, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die.
Marking his first on-screen reunion with Martin Lawrence since the infamous Oscar night slap in 2022, the fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise has taken theatres by storm. It has raked in an impressive $56 million across the U.S. and an additional $48.6 million globally, for $104.6 million.
This latest film now holds the distinction of having the second-highest opening weekend in the franchise, only trailing behind 2020’s Bad Boys for Life.
Industry experts speculated that the 2022 incident might have tarnished Smith’s fan base and limited his opportunities, but the star’s latest success proves otherwise.
Will Smith’s infamous Oscar’s incident
Smith’s first potential setback happened on the night of the infamous slap when he won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his role in King Richard. The Academy’s strict no-violence policy could have jeopardized his achievement, sparking fears that he might lose his coveted statuette. Insiders described the room’s shock and discomfort following the incident, predicting an uncertain future for Smith’s Oscar.
Related stories
However, Smith preemptively resigned from the Academy, allowing him to keep his award and remain eligible for future accolades. Despite the controversy, Smith’s return to the big screen with Bad Boys: Ride Or Die shows audiences are still eager to see him in action.
The slap did have an impact on Smith’s personal life. It was revealed that the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, facing declining donations, would be closing its doors. Tax filings showed a significant drop in revenue post-incident, with donations plummeting from $1.7 million in 2020 and $2.1 million in 2021 to just $366,000 in 2022.
Sources indicated that the foundation’s shutdown was planned before the Oscars incident, with the couple opting to contribute privately to charitable causes. The foundation, established in 1996, had already reduced its staffing in 2021 and had no paid staff left by 2022.