Martin Lawrence is reportedly stepping back from plans for a fifth Bad Boys film, as insiders say his patience with Will Smith has worn thin following years of behind-the-scenes tension and the lingering fallout from Smith’s Oscars slap.
Sources close to the veteran actor say Lawrence, now 60, prefers performing stand-up and spending time with his children over returning to high-budget action projects. Although Bad Boys: Ride or Die was a box office success in 2024, Lawrence is said to be uninterested in doing another sequel alongside Smith.
Will Smith’s career after the slap
Will Smith, 56, has struggled to regain his Hollywood footing since slapping comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. The incident led to a 10-year Academy ban and damaged Smith’s public image, though he remains eager to keep the Bad Boys franchise alive.
While the pair showed strong on-screen chemistry through four Bad Boys films, one insider said the two actors are not close in real life. Smith, who is known for his high-energy work ethic and intensity, reportedly shares more in common with Tom Cruise than with Lawrence.
The source said Lawrence is not in a rush to reunite for another sequel, noting that filming high-octane action with Smith is exhausting. Despite studio interest in continuing the franchise, Lawrence has expressed that he’s simply not interested in the stress that comes with it.
Behind-the-scenes strain
Although Sony is reportedly keen to move forward with another installment following the financial success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the project now faces an unexpected hurdle. Lawrence allegedly pushed himself to the limit on the last film and no longer finds the experience enjoyable.
An insider added that the recent film proved Smith still has box office power, but the effort to manage Smith’s energy and off-camera personality took a toll on Lawrence. The source claimed that Lawrence is enjoying life at his own pace now and doesn’t want to be dragged back into a project that feels more like work than passion.
Despite the money on the table, the aging comedy-action star appears to have shifted his priorities. Insiders say Lawrence’s bond with Smith has always been professional rather than personal, and there’s little motivation left for another reunion under the current climate.
As pressure mounts on Sony to keep the momentum going, the studio may be forced to rethink its strategy if Lawrence holds firm on walking away from the franchise.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.