Columbia Pictures’ upcoming movie, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, has recently received approval for a theatrical release in China, scheduled to premiere in cinemas on June 22. This action-packed film marks the fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise, following the success of Bad Boys for Life. Fans and critics alike have been eagerly awaiting the release of this sequel, especially after the positive reception of its predecessor.
Bad Boys for Life made its debut in China in August 2020 amidst challenging circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in a relatively modest box office performance of $3.2 million. Despite this setback, other Will Smith films have resonated well with Chinese audiences in the past, such as Men in Black 3 and Aladdin. The strong track record of Smith’s previous films in China provides hope for the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die in the Chinese market.
Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, expressed confidence in the box office potential of Bad Boys: Ride or Die during an investor call. Vinciquerra acknowledged the challenges faced by the theatrical industry due to the aftermath of strikes and the pandemic but remained optimistic about the film’s performance. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a habit of going to theaters again as the industry recovers, anticipating a resurgence in theatrical attendance in the second half of the year.
Vinciquerra highlighted the role of major film releases in driving audiences back to theaters, with Bad Boys 4 projected to have a strong opening weekend. He emphasized the interconnected nature of the film industry, where the success of one movie can positively impact the performance of subsequent releases. As the industry gradually returns to normalcy in terms of film production and distribution, Vinciquerra expressed optimism about the industry’s comeback, although he acknowledged that it may take time to reach pre-pandemic levels of success.
The release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die in China represents a significant milestone for Columbia Pictures and the Bad Boys franchise. With optimistic expectations for the film’s box office performance and the industry’s gradual recovery, audiences can look forward to an action-packed cinematic experience that builds on the legacy of the beloved Bad Boys series.