For over 25 years, the Bad Boys franchise has defined what it means to blend high-stakes action with sharp buddy comedy. What began in 1995 as a stylish Michael Bay-directed thrill ride starring a fresh-faced Will Smith and Martin Lawrence has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most enduring action series. One that’s survived changing trends, shifting studio priorities, and even a 17-year gap between sequels. After Bad Boys for Life (2020) successfully revived the franchise and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) proved the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence was as electric as ever, Sony is doubling down with Bad Boys 5, setting the stage for what could be Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett’s most explosive mission yet.
The journey to this point hasn’t been easy. From Will Smith’s highly publicized Oscars controversy to Martin Lawrence’s health concerns over the years, many wondered if Bad Boys 4 would even happen, let alone succeed. But when the amazing Ride or Die stormed theaters last summer, any doubts were silenced. The film’s ending left the door wide open for another sequel, and now, with Bad Boys 5 officially in development, fans are eager to see where the story goes next. Will this be a victory lap for the aging detectives, or will the franchise take a bold new direction?
But first, let’s do a recap of the Bad Boys sequels
The Bad Boys Legacy: How Two Cops Changed Action Movies Forever
Bad Boys (1995) – The Explosive Beginning
Directed by a then-unknown Michael Bay, the first Bad Boys introduced us to Miami narcotics detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnet. With its slick visuals, over-the-top action, and rapid-fire humor, the film set a new standard for buddy cop movies.
- Budget vs. Box Office: Made 19 million and 141 million worldwide
- Iconic Moments: The “You gotta be able to see the bullets” scene, the club shootout. And that legendary “We ride together, we die together” line
- Cultural Impact: Cemented Will Smith as a leading man and proved Martin Lawrence could hold his own in action films
Bad Boys II (2003) – Bigger, Louder, and Somehow Even More Ridiculous
Then, eight years later, Bay returned with a sequel that doubled down on everything. We got bigger explosions, crazier stunts, and even more hilarious bickering between Mike and Marcus.
- Biggest Set Pieces: The highway car chase (with a car carrier smashing through traffic) and the infamous “shooting rats” scene
- Controversial but Beloved: Critics called it excessive (it was), but fans ate it up $273 million worldwide
- Missed Opportunity: Plans for Bad Boys III stalled for 17 years due to script issues and scheduling conflicts
Bad Boys for Life (2020) – The Comeback No One Saw Coming
After years of false starts, the third film finally arrived, this time directed by Adil & Bilall (instead of Bay). Filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, Project Casting had the opportunity to share casting calls. Shockingly, it was the best-reviewed film of the series, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.
- Box Office Smash: $426 million globally (even with COVID looming)
- New Generation: Introduced Armando (Jacob Scipio) as a key antagonist and Rafe (Charles Melton) as a tech-savvy new cop
- Emotional Depth: Explored Mike’s past in a way the earlier films never did
Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die (2024) Proving the Franchise Isn’t Slowing Down
Released in June 2024, Ride or Die brought back Will, Martin, and directors Adil & Bilall for another round of chaos.
- Early Success: Opened to $56 million domestically, showing the series still has legs
- Cliffhanger Ending: Without spoilers… let’s just say Bad Boys 5 is NECESSARY
In Case You Forgot, How Did Bad Boys: Ride or Die End?
The 4th film ends with Mike and Marcus successfully exposing the real villains behind the conspiracy against Captain Howard. A lot of intense action sequences, with the stage for possible new adventures, although it doesn’t explicitly set up a sequel.
Is Bad Boys 5 Really Happening?
After Bad Boys 4 pulled in over $200 million at the global box office, Sony greenlit Bad Boys 5, which we have been talking about since last year.
The studio knows a winning formula, and the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is still a major draw. While there’s no official title yet, it could be something like Bad Boys: Last Ride or Bad Boys Forever, as this might be the duo’s final mission.
Both Smith and Lawrence have confirmed their returns, as Smith shared on social media that Mike and Marcus aren’t done yet, they’re just “real tired.” Given how Ride or Die ended, the sequel has plenty of material to work with. The big question now is whether this will be the last film or if Sony has plans to expand the franchise even further.
Plot Predictions: Where Could the Story Go Next?
Bad Boys: Ride or Die left a few key threads dangling that Bad Boys 5 will likely pick up. The post-credits scene hinted at a powerful political figure pulling strings behind the scenes, setting up a new villain who could be even more dangerous than any threat the guys have faced before. Some leaks suggest a drug cartel war that spills into Miami, forcing the duo out of retirement to clean up the streets.
Another major storyline could revolve around Mike’s son, as he was briefly introduced in Ride or Die. Will he officially join the force, creating a new dynamic where Marcus has to mentor the next generation while Mike struggles to let go of control? Fans have also been clamoring for deeper character moments, perhaps a storyline where Marcus finally steps away for good, forcing Mike to confront his own future without his longtime partner.
Of course, this is still Bad Boys, so expect plenty of over-the-top action, explosive set pieces, and the kind of banter that only Smith and Lawrence can deliver. The real challenge will be balancing emotional weight with the franchise’s signature chaos.
Who’s Returning and Who’s New?
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are the heart of the franchise, and their return is a given. Paola Núñez is expected to reprise her role as Captain Rita, providing a steady (if exasperated) presence amid the chaos. The bigger question is who might join the cast as the new antagonist. Do you have any thoughts? Leave it in the comments. Early rumors point toward it being a ruthless ex-military villain, someone who can go toe-to-toe with Mike and Marcus physically and mentally.
Fans have also been hoping for surprise cameos, like Joe Pantoliano returning as Captain Howard in flashbacks or dream sequences. And let’s not forget Theresa Randle as Marcus’ long-suffering wife; her sharp comedic timing has always been a highlight, and giving her more screen time could add some great moments.
Behind the Scenes: Directors, Filming, and Potential Delays
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who directed Bad Boys: Ride or Die, are in talks to return for the fifth installment. Their work on the fourth film was praised for blending the franchise’s classic style with fresh energy, so their involvement would be a good sign. However, nothing is set in stone yet, and if they don’t return, Sony might look for another director with strong action credentials; someone like John Wick’s Chad Stahelski could be an interesting choice.
Filming is expected to begin in late 2025, but Will Smith’s busy schedule (including I Am Legend 2) could cause delays. If everything stays on track, we might see Bad Boys 5 hit theaters in 2026 or 2027. Which means you must bookmark Project Casting for casting calls regarding Bad Boy 5. There’s also the question of whether this will be the final film; Smith and Lawrence aren’t getting any younger, and if they want to go out on a high note, this could be their last ride.
Fan Expectations: What Do People Want from Bad Boys 5?
The Bad Boys fanbase has strong opinions about what the next movie needs. More than anything, they want the focus to stay on the chemistry between Mike and Marcus, less CGI, more of them arguing in a car or improvising their way through a shootout. There’s also a demand for a truly memorable villain, someone who can stand alongside the best antagonists of the series.
And of course, fans are hoping for a satisfying conclusion, especially if this is the end. No cheap cliffhangers, just a proper send-off that honors the characters and their legacy. That said, if Bad Boys 5 performs well, don’t be surprised if Sony starts talking about spin-offs or even a sixth film.
Now, Should You Be Excited?
If you enjoyed Bad Boys: Ride or Die, then Bad Boys 5 is for sure something to look forward to. The franchise still has plenty of gas in the tank, and with Smith and Lawrence fully committed, there’s no reason this next installment can’t deliver the same mix of action, comedy, and heart that made the series a hit in the first place.
The real test will be whether it can stick the landing, giving fans a finale that feels earned while still leaving them wanting more. Either way, one thing’s for sure: Mike and Marcus aren’t going down without a fight.
What do you want to see in Bad Boys 5? A final retirement? A surprise crossover? Let us know in the comments!
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