Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do?
That anthem truly defined a time for this nation, and the Bad Boys franchise that used it became an instant classic when the first film came out, plus, it's only continued to grow in popularity over time. From the original movie that was released way back in 1995 to the latest, Bad Boys for Life, the franchise starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence has been hugely successful.
A couple of years after the third film was released in 2020, it was announced that another sequel was in the works. But, when exactly is this movie coming out? And who is going to star? Here is what we know so far about Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
What Is The Bad Boys 4 Release Date?
As of April 2024, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is set to release on June 7, 2024, according to Deadline. This means that it will appear in our 2024 movie release schedule.
Even so, there won’t be nearly as long of a wait as there was between Bad Boys 2 and Bad Boys for Life. The first sequel came out eight years after the franchise starter, while the third film was released seventeen years later. Thankfully, the wait for this film is not going to be long.
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, And More Will Return
If you’re wondering who will be back for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, here is who we know so far:
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett
It wouldn’t really be Bad Boys if the main stars themselves didn’t come back, and now, we can confirm that both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will return for Bad Boys 4, in a continuation of their decades-long friendship. Smith announced on his Instagram in January 2023 that both he and Lawrence would be returning for the sequel:
Production on the film was halted for a little bit after the rapper/actor's infamous 2022 Academy Awards appearance, according to MovieWeb, but things are back on track now, and I, for one, can’t wait to see them return.
Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly
Vanessa Hudgens is confirmed to return as her character Kelly, a weapons expert, from Bad Boys for Life, according to Deadline. Hudgens was a great addition to the third film, and even spoke about her time filming the movie, saying that working with both Smith and Lawrence was “amazing” in an interview that she did with Entertainment Tonight:
They're just amazing. Like, Martin is such a sweetheart. He's always just so kind and warm and welcoming and like, tender…so sweet.
Hudgens has been on a roll with the movies she's been in, such as the lovely Netflix Christmas franchise, The Princess Switch trilogy, as well as Tick, Tick….Boom!, Second Act alongside Jennifer Lopez and more, so it’s awesome to see her return for this movie.
Alexander Ludwig as Dorn
Deadline confirmed in April 2023 that Alexander Ludwig would return to his role as Dorn in Bad Boys 4. The actor first became known for his role in the Hunger Games franchise, but gained further fame for his starring role in the Vikings TV series, as well as the drama show, Heels.
Paola Núñez as Lieutenant Rita Secada
The Deadline article above regarding Ludwig also confirmed that Paola Núñez would return in Bad Boys 4, reprising her role as Rita Secada. The Mexican actress has appeared in a variety of international films, as well as the TV shows The Purge, Magnum P.I and more.
John Salley as Fletcher
Also confirmed to return is John Salley as Fletcher in Bad Boys 4. The actor talked about filming with Smith and Lawrence on set in an interview with VladTV on YouTube in 2023, so he will be back as Fletcher.
Salley is a famous former basketball player, but has appeared in films like The Ultimate Christmas Present, Sneakerella and more.
Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas
From IndieWire in March 2024, Jacob Scipio was confirmed to return. He has appeared in other movies like The Outpost, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and The Expend4bles.
It’s always awesome to see cast members come back for new movies, so I can’t wait to see these guys rock it in the fourth.
Several New Stars Have Signed On
If you were wondering who was going to be in this upcoming movie, we have several stars that have signed on for the fourth film – including a casting replacement.
Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett
Another piece of news that was confirmed by Variety is that Tasha Smith is replacing Theresa Randle, who played the wife of Lawrence’s character, in Bad Boys 4. We don't know why the change was made, but Smith is a welcome addition, regardless.
Smith is primarily known for her role on Empire, and in several other films like Couples Retreat, Daddys Little Girls and more.
Eric Dane
In the Deadline article about Ludwig and Núñez, it was also announced that Eric Dane had joined the cast as the villain of the movie. The actor is mainly known in recent years for his role in the Euphoria cast.
Dane has also done a variety of roles in the past, from his parts in shows such as Charmed, a very popular fantasy series, to Grey’s Anatomy, where his popularity as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan really cemented his fame. But he has been doing a very good job playing the villain in Euphoria, so I’m always down to see him act nefarious again.
Ioan Gruffudd as Lockwood
Deadline confirmed in April 2023 that Ioan Gruffudd had also joined the cast, and sources told Deadline that he would be playing Lockwood, an attorney that is running for a high-profile election.
Gruffudd is a well-known face, and is likely best remembered for portraying Reed Richards in the mid-00s Fantastic Four movies.
Rhea Seahorn
Confirmed by Deadline in May 2023, it was announced that Rhea Seahorn had signed on for Bad Boys 4. The actress is primarily known for her role in the AMC series, Better Call Saul, for which she was nominated for several accolades. Her role in the film is currently unknown.
Joyner Lucas
In an interview with XXL Mag in May 2023, rapper Joyner Lucas also confirmed he would have a part in the upcoming film. Lucas appeared in The Family Plan in 2023.
Melanie Liburd
In April 2023, it was confirmed that Melanie Liburd had signed on for Bad Boys 4 in an undisclosed role, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actress has appeared in This Is Us, Gypsy, Game of Thrones and more.
Tiffany Hadish
Also from IndieWire in March 2024, it was confirmed that Tiffany Haddish would appear in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The actress has appeared in movies like Girls Trip, Nobody’s Fool, Haunted Mansion and more.
Talk about some great casting additions! I can’t wait to see what comes next for these actors in the movie.
Check Out The Trailer For Bad Boys: Ride Or Die
If you’re wondering where the trailer is for this new movie, we have you covered! The official trailer for Bad Boys: Ride or Die has dropped, and it features this incredible cast mixed in with a story that will surely blow our minds – as well as some hilarious comedy. Check it out above.
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah Directed
According to Variety, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah directed Bad Boys: Ride or Die, just as they did for the third installment.
The duo have worked together on multiple films before, including Black and Gangsta, and even worked on the Disney+ original show, Ms. Marvel, but since Bad Boys for Life was such a success, it’s no wonder they came back to direct the film.
Adil El Arbi even spoke about the upcoming movie’s tone in an interview with The Playlist, saying that their version of the fourth film would have a lot more comedy, and that Lawrence would have a much bigger role:
But yeah, what’s going to happen in this one is, I think that there’s going to be way more comedy. The third one had the dramatic tone. With this one, it’s really our purpose to get people laughing and having a good time in the theater. Martin [Lawrence] is going to a higher level in this one. This is the culmination of the Marcus Burnett arc.
Chris Bremner Wrote The Script
It was confirmed back in 2020 that Chris Bremner was tapped to pen the fourth movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and that hasn’t changed.
Bremner is known for a lot of his comedic films, such as The Wedding Ringer starring Kevin Hart, as well as writing the screenplay for The Man from Toronto, which also starred the comedian. He also wrote Bad Boys for Life, so I’m eager to see where he takes the story.
Filming Has Ended
Last but not least, we know that filming for the movie has come to an end. People confirmed the movie began filming in 2023, since they spotted the main duo on set in Atlanta, in costume and ready to shoot as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Barnett on the set of the upcoming sequel.
Will Smith took to Instagram during March 2024 to share a picture of him and Lawrence on the last day of filming, confirming the release date:
Is anyone else getting excited or is it just me?
What are you looking forward to the most with Bad Boys: Ride or Die? It’s likely only a matter of time before we get the updates we so desperately desire. Don’t mind me while I rewatch the trailer countless times.
