Will Smith Marks 30 Years Since the First ‘Bad Boys’ Film

Three decades have passed since the release of ‘Bad Boys’, which Will Smith is marking.

Recently, the 56-year-old actor from ‘Men in Black’ celebrated the 30th anniversary of the action movie's premiere by sharing a joint Instagram post with his co-star Martin Lawrence and the franchise's official account.

 Smith reflected on the milestone and thanked director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and the late Don Simpson for taking a risk on them when the movie was first made.  He conveyed his appreciation for the fans' continuous support throughout the years.

Image Courtesy: willsmith/ Instagram

The post included a number of behind-the-scenes photos from the first Bad Boys movie, such as pictures showing Smith and Lawrence grinning and having a good time together on set.  Moments with Bay, Bruckheimer, and other cast members Michael Imperioli, Joe Pantoliano, Téa Leoni, and Theresa Randle were featured in additional pictures.

 Smith and Lawrence play Miami detectives Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey in the ‘Bad Boys’ television series.  ‘Bad Boys II’ (2003), ‘Bad Boys for Life’ (2020), and the most recent one, ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024), were the three sequels to the 1995 original.  

Smith had already talked about his audition experience for the first movie.  He was 25 and Lawrence was 29 at the time, and both were thrilled to have the job.  To get her brother to invite Smith to try out for the Mike Lowrey part, Lawrence's sister was crucial.

Image Courtesy: willsmith/ Instagram

 Smith remembered his first meeting with Lawrence, who reassured him that the script was still in its early stages but urged him to persevere.  Smith chose to accept the risk despite the uncertainty because he viewed it as an opportunity to collaborate with Lawrence, whom he called a "comic genius." Smith says this decision altered the trajectory of his career.

Bruckheimer talked about collaborating with Smith and Lawrence at the ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ premiere in Los Angeles in June 2024, calling them enjoyable, imaginative, and easy to work with.  He underlined that even though the production process was lengthy, it was always a fun experience and that there was never a dull time on site.

–Farheen Ali