Bad Boys OG Talks Changes That Happened Across 4 Movies With Will Smith And Martin Lawrence, And It Really Shows How Hollywood Works

Bad Boys OG Talks Changes That Happened Across 4 Movies With Will Smith And Martin Lawrence, And It Really Shows How Hollywood Works

As a huge fan of the Bad Boys franchise, I can’t help but be in awe of the incredible journey that the cast and crew have taken us on since the early ’90s. Having had the privilege of following their careers through the decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much has changed – not just on screen, but off as well.


As a dedicated fan of the “Bad Boys” series, I’ve noticed some significant shifts both on and off the screen since the first movie came out in the ’90s. The duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, who bring Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett to life, have experienced growth in their own careers beyond this action-comedy saga. Joe Pantoliano, a fellow franchise veteran, has observed these changes throughout all four films, and his perspective sheds light on the ever-evolving nature of Hollywood.

Joe Pantoliano is unique for having teamed up with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence on four significant projects, as well as joining them in developing a single film concept. In interviews with Vanity Fair, the actor from “The Matrix” series shares insights into his long-standing partnership with these colleagues. Over the years, their bond has evolved beyond just sharing scenes together.

In terms of creativity, I initially collaborated with Will and Martin for a film project, which was an exciting experience for me as an actor. Subsequently, in the second production, I had the privilege of working alongside renowned movie stars. In the third and fourth projects, my role expanded significantly as I came under Will Smith’s employment. Now, he is my boss! [Laughs.] With each passing project, my appreciation for their comedic talents grew stronger. Martin Lawrence serves as an Executive Producer on our current project, and I am thrilled to be a part of this team. What struck me most in No. 4 is the remarkable chemistry between Will and Martin. Their humor transcends description – it’s like Tracy and Hepburn; an uncontainable magic that cannot be replicated.

As someone who has closely followed the careers of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, I can’t help but be in awe of how far they’ve come from their humble beginnings on TV sitcoms “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Martin.” Back then, they were just two talented actors trying to make it big in Hollywood, building upon the success they’d found on television.

I’ve been fascinated by how an actor’s status in Hollywood can shift over time, even for those who have already tasted success. People like Denzel Washington, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Cruise are just a few who come to mind. Watching the evolution of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s careers has been particularly intriguing, and it’s impossible not to be thrilled by their accomplishments. As fans of their iconic buddy cop franchise, we’ve definitely appreciated their contributions in keeping it fresh. And let’s not forget the significant role another well-known producer plays in shaping their creative vision both on and off camera. During an interview, Joe Pantoliano shared some insight into this influential figure.

It’s important to note that Jerry Bruckheimer casts a substantial influence over these films. His creativity and artistic vision are unparalleled, enabling him to significantly impact the work of his director colleagues.

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Bad Boys OG Talks Changes That Happened Across 4 Movies With Will Smith And Martin Lawrence, And It Really Shows How Hollywood Works

Martin Lawrence Initially Preferred Having Eddie Murphy for “Bad Boys,” But Why He Ultimately Chose Will Smith instead

Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and their team continue to shock and engage fans with fresh twists in the “Bad Boys” series. For example, I was taken aback when the preview for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” unveiled that Captain Howard, played by Joe Pantoliano, would return despite his demise in 2020’s “For Life.” This enduring appeal has led some to speculate about a possible fifth installment. Will Smith himself mentioned the possibility of another film not long ago, expressing interest if there’s an compelling narrative. However, given their current commitments in Hollywood, arranging schedules for Smith, Lawrence, and potentially Pantoliano may be quite challenging. Nevertheless, I’d be thrilled if they could manage to bring Pantoliano back for the ride too.

The hit movie “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which is currently drawing large crowds in cinemas for 2024, is still showing in theaters. Alternatively, if you have a valid Hulu subscription, you can watch “For Life” instead.

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2024-07-21 02:37