While it's been almost seventeen years since BAD BOYS II starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith released in theaters, fans of the action cop franchise are in for more Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey goodness this weekend when BAD BOYS FOR LIFE hits theaters. Although the previews looked decided lackluster, the film is tracking for a $48 million opening weekend at the domestic box office. JoBlo's own Matt Rooney thoroughly enjoyed the flick noting the improved character development, witty banter, and badass action. Although audiences had to wait the better part of two decades to see Lawrence and Smith back together on the big screen, they might not have to wait quite as long for a fourth go around.
In an exclusive The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Sony is actively developing a fourth BAD BOYS film. Chris Bremner, who co-wrote BAD BOYS FOR LIFE with Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan is set to pen the fourth go-round. Both Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are expected to return. Despite the fact that the trailers promoted the line of "one last time" apparently what they really meant to say was Tugg Speedman's (Ben Stiller) line from TROPIC THUNDER, "Here we go again…again." Never count out Hollywood's ability to milk a franchise for everything it's worth.
In all honesty though, this move makes sense at least from a financial standpoint. BAD BOYS FOR LIFE had a relatively modest $90 million budget attached to it. The film is expected to more than make up for that cost. In addition, the third BAD BOYS film cost $40 million less than its predecessor, and that was 2003 numbers. There's a profitability factor here that you can't deny. However, it seems like a missed opportunity that the creatives behind the third movie didn't preserve its title for the fourth film. It would have been a no-brainer to call the movie BAD BOYS 4 LIFE. Get it together Sony!
So are you guys excited for a fourth BAD BOYS movie? Planning to check out the third one this weekend? Are Smith and Lawrence "getting too old for this shit"? Let us know in the comment section below!