There has been a lot of drama between our rich and famous members of society. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard had an epic battle in court where they unearthed all the toxicity in their relationship, and the Oscars night ended with a band when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage in front of everyone. Since then, the academy has banned Smith for 10 years. Where many films ceased production, Bad Boys 4 is well on its way. Co-star, Martin Lawrence, says the pair are bad boys for life.
Bad Boys 4 taking action
Will Smith shocked everyone during the most recent Oscars night when Chris Rock was on stage giving a comedic performance. Smith could be seen laughing away at the Rock’s jokes, even after he directed one to his wife, Jada Pinkett. He made a reference to her shaved head and G.I Jane 2, which doesn’t exist. Whether or not he knew about Jada having alopecia is unknown. It was pretty clear that Will Smith thought Chris Rock crossed a line because he got up and Slapped Chris across the face – in front of everyone in the audience, and those watching from their TVs at home.
Martin Lawrence shoots down speculation that 'Bad Boys 4' would be canceled after Will Smith's Oscars slap
— Fandom (@getFANDOM) July 12, 2022
'We got one more at least'
(via @EBONYMag | https://t.co/yTbHOVBJdB) pic.twitter.com/LitFje6ynI
The academy felt they had to do something to set an example of their disapproval. They do not condone violence within the academy, and has since decided to ban the I am legend actor for 10 years. Any productions that were to potentially star Will Smith ceased production as they pondered whether or not to recast him. Luckily, not all is lost for will, as Bad Boys 4 have no plans to find another Bad Boy. Martin Lawrence has stated that he and Will Smith are “bad boys for life,” and nothing will change that.
Read: Hate Him Or Love Him, Nobody Treats Their Fans Better Than Johnny Depp
Martin and Will Smith
Recently, Ebony did an interview with Martin Lawrence for what they referred to as a celebration of the “Freedom of Black Joy“. They named Martin the “comedy king“. Lawrence explained how he admire Eddie Murphy and saw him as his mentor. During a dark phase of his life, Martin was rejected by the acting world. Eddie Murphy had called him up to say he wanted Martin to act alongside him, and no one else.
This is what gave Martin empathy for Smith’s current situation. It has driven him to stand by Will, regardless of the rest of Hollywood backing out. “It was a tough time in my life at that time, and Eddie called and had Life ready for me,” explained Martin. “He wouldn’t do the movie with anybody else but me. So, I really love him for that.”
Later on in the interview, Martin spoke about the time when he and Will Smith were still just a couple of T.V stars. The time before they became famous Hollywood actors. Then, when their movie, Bad Boys, was produced, it got such a great response, the sequels are still being made today.
“It was big,” said Martin as he remembered that period of his life. “For us to come together and prove that we can deliver, and we can pull people into the box office—that two Black stars, two sitcom stars, could make money at the box office [was huge]. I didn’t go to college, so I felt TV was my college years. I felt with movies, I had graduated; it was just different.”
Martin even hinted that there might be yet another Bad Boys, even after the next Bad Boys 4 is released.
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