In "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," the fourth film in the blockbuster buddy cop series, Will Smith's character Mike Lowery gets slapped by his partner Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) during a pivotal moment. This scene, a humorous nod to the infamous Oscars incident where Smith slapped Chris Rock, serves as a potential turning point for Smith's tarnished public image.
At the movie's Los Angeles premiere, Smith expressed gratitude to his long-time partner Lawrence and the supportive team at Sony. Despite his once-stellar reputation, Smith's Q Score has plummeted significantly since the Oscars incident, underscoring the high stakes for this film's success. The slap scene aims to address the incident humorously, a decision that has received mixed reactions from critics and audiences.
Smith's promotional efforts for the film have been extensive, with global premieres and strategic social media engagement. The film's box office performance, projected between $30 million and $50 million, will be a critical test of Smith's ability to reclaim his blockbuster status. Smith has hinted at more personal and transformative themes in his upcoming music, but for now, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" marks his first cinematic attempt to move past the Oscars controversy.