Riyadh Welcomes Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” Premiere
Cameras flashed and crowds cheered as Hollywood stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence graced the red carpet at Roshn Front’s VOX Cinema in Riyadh on Friday night. The occasion? The premiere of the highly anticipated fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” film franchise.
The Evolution of Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” marks a significant milestone as it arrives 30 years after the iconic duo of Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, portrayed by Smith and Lawrence, first joined forces as buddy cops. The latest film, set for an exclusive cinema release on June 6, showcases the evolution of the characters over the years.
“Their backs have gotten weaker, and their knees hurt more,” Smith jokingly remarked. “Part of what we wanted to do with the franchise is to have the characters grow in an age-appropriate way,” he told Arab News. “We are trusting that the audience wants to grow with us, wants to go with us, and wants to follow the natural progression of life and what these characters would be going through.”
Friendship, Love, and Family
While the film continues to deliver a mix of action, drama, and comedy, it also delves into the spiritual growth and development of the characters. “The core of the movie is about friendship, love, and family,” Smith emphasized. “And would you ride or die for your partner?” Lawrence added.
Directorial Duo and Spiritual Themes
The success of the previous installment, “Bad Boys For Life,” laid the foundation for the latest production. Directed by Bilall Fallah and Adil El-Arbi, the duo reportedly drew inspiration from video games. Lawrence praised the directors as “top notch” and credited them for bringing out the magic in the actors.
Smith highlighted the unique perspective brought by non-American directors, stating, “Energetically, it was fun to work with them, and also their openness to the spirituality of the film was refreshing.”
Action Films and Human Experience
Both actors reflected on the enduring appeal of action films in the industry. Smith noted, “The physical wars of humanity represent the inner wars that we go through. So, I think human beings are always going to like watching a good visualized external battle that they can relate to.”
Lawrence described the movie as a comedic take on friendship and survival, likening it to a “standard bromance.”
Excitement Over Saudi Initiatives
With the film premiere held in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Smith and Lawrence expressed their enthusiasm for the initiatives underway in the Kingdom. Smith commended the energy and sense of innovation in Saudi Arabia, stating, “It’s like there is this powerful sense of being on the cusp of the future. It’s showing up in music, it’s showing up in art, it’s showing up in architecture, and hopefully shows up at the cinema tonight.”