Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) – Spoilers and What’s Next for the Franchise
Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) have faced it all—explosive action, heartfelt moments, and personal growth. But where do they go after Bad Boys: Ride or Die? The fourth film in the Bad Boys franchise pushes the iconic duo to confront their mortality and the consequences of their past choices. With no major cliffhangers or post-credits scenes, the question remains: will Mike and Marcus stay on the force, or is it finally time for them to hang up their badges? Fans are already buzzing about a potential fifth film.
Facing Mortality in Ride or Die
In Bad Boys for Life, Marcus nearly retires after the shocking death of Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), but he’s pulled back into action. Now, Ride or Die takes that theme further. Early in the movie, Marcus suffers a heart attack, bringing his retirement into question once again. Meanwhile, even the unshakable Mike faces panic attacks, a first for his typically cool, fearless persona. The duo’s struggles highlight the toll of years spent in high-stakes action.
Both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have hinted they’re open to continuing the franchise, but with conditions. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Smith joked that the younger cast should handle more of the stunts going forward. However, both actors agreed that future films would need a compelling story. “I never wanted to be the guy who keeps making sequels just because people will show up,” Smith explained, signaling that they’re only in for a fifth film if there’s something new and meaningful to explore.
How Ride or Die Ends
In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Mike and Marcus are forced into uncharted territory. After a conspiracy attempts to ruin Captain Howard’s legacy, the duo goes rogue to clear their names. With help from their AMMO team—Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens), Dorn (Alexander Ludwig), and Captain Rita Secada (Paola Núñez)—they uncover the real culprits: Miami District Attorney Adam Lockwood (Ioan Gruffudd) and ex-special ops soldier James McGrath (Eric Dane).
The final showdown sees Mike overcoming a panic attack just in time to take down McGrath, with Marcus literally slapping him back into action—a nod to Smith’s infamous 2022 Academy Awards moment. Meanwhile, Mike’s estranged son, Armando (Jacob Scipio), redeems himself by saving Judy Howard’s daughter during the climactic battle. Judy (Rhea Seehorn), still seeking justice for her father’s death, is left to reconsider her feelings toward Armando, who escapes wounded but alive.
As the dust settles, Mike and Marcus are exonerated, but the film leaves their future uncertain. Will they return to the Miami PD or finally retire? The closing scene, where they pass grilling duties to Marcus’ son-in-law Reggie (Dennis McDonald), hints at a possible shift in roles and responsibilities for the duo.
What’s Next for the Bad Boys Franchise?
While Bad Boys: Ride or Die doesn’t set up a direct sequel, both Smith and Lawrence are game for a fifth film if there’s fan demand. Lawrence quipped, “As long as the fans want it, we’ll keep going.” Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed in a June 2024 interview that talks about a fifth installment are underway, but its future depends on the success of Ride or Die at the box office.
Smith and Lawrence have emphasized that if they return for another film, it won’t just be about big action sequences. They want a story that offers meaningful character development and keeps the franchise fresh. If the fanbase and the right narrative are there, the Bad Boys might have another adventure left in them.
For now, Bad Boys: Ride or Die delivers plenty of action, laughs, and touching moments that solidify Mike and Marcus’ place as one of cinema’s greatest buddy-cop duos.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is now streaming on Netflix.
