According to The Hollywood Reporter, Will Smith had already received 40 pages of the script for “Bad Boys 4” before the Slap, and the film was considered to be in active development. Immediately after the incident, THR sources said a hiatus seemed likely. However, in the months following the Oscars, we haven’t heard much about the planned project.
In a new interview with Deadline, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group President Tom Rothman seemed to confirm that things are still progressing. In fact, Rothman dismissed THR’s previous report. “That was inaccurate,” Rothman said. “That movie was in development and still is. There were no brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving.”
Compared to Jerry Bruckheimer’s lukewarm response this month when asked about the future of “Bad Boys 4” (via CinemaBlend), this news should give fans of the franchise some reassurance. And, if anything, Smith actually seems to have Rothman in his corner. After discussing production plans in his interview with Deadline, Rothman said, “I’ve known Will Smith for many years, and I know he’s a good person. He was an example of a really good person. having a really bad time, in front of the world.” Most notably, the executive also emphasized that they believe in “forgiveness and redemption”.
If we’re to believe what Rothman is saying, it looks like we might get an update on the film’s development soon. Before long, we could be well on our way to seeing the saga of detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) continue on the big screen.
