Los Angeles, CA — In a surprising and delightful turn of events, Hollywood superstar Will Smith made an unannounced visit to a movie theater in Baldwin Hills on Friday night to watch his latest film, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," alongside an unsuspecting audience. The actor shared his experience on social media, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
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“We’re in Baldwin Hills. We’re about to go in the theater,” Smith said in the video, documenting his stealthy outing. “It’s a ritual I have, when I have a movie come out. On Friday, Saturday, usually a matinee on Sunday, I like going to the theaters.”
Disguised with a mask, Smith blended in with the crowd, quietly enjoying the film. However, the real surprise came after the movie ended, when Smith revealed his presence to the stunned moviegoers. The audience erupted with excitement, quickly surrounding the star to snap photos and videos. One enthusiastic fan gave the film a glowing “10 out of 10,” to which Smith graciously responded with thanks.
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die," the fourth installment in the popular Bad Boys franchise, marks a significant moment in Smith's career. Starring alongside Martin Lawrence, Smith's return to the big screen is seen as a potential comeback, following the controversy at the 2022 Oscars when he slapped Chris Rock onstage. The incident led to widespread backlash and a 10-year ban from Film Academy events. Despite the fallout, Smith has issued multiple apologies and maintained a low profile until recently ramping up promotion for the new film.
The latest Bad Boys movie is off to a robust start at the box office, with Saturday estimates predicting a $53 million opening weekend. On its debut day, the film garnered $21.6 million, including $5.9 million from Thursday night previews. With generally positive reviews and an A- CinemaScore, the film’s early success offers a hopeful sign for the summer box office, which began sluggishly in May.
In "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," Smith and Lawrence reprise their roles as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The plot centers on their efforts to clear the name of their late police captain, who is linked to drug cartels. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and penned by Chris Bremner and Will Beall, the film continues the high-octane, buddy-cop action that has defined the series.
The previous film, "Bad Boys for Life," also directed by Adil & Bilall, revitalized the franchise with its 2020 release, earning $426 million globally before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters.
As Smith's agents at CAA reach out to studios for future projects, the actor’s surprise theater visit and the warm reception of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" signal a positive turn in his career. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see what’s next for the beloved star.