Sony Pictures is still on track in production of Bad Boys 4 with controversial Oscar winning actor Will Smith.
In an interesting development after that emotionally charged Oscar moment, the one before Smith won his Oscar, Bad Boys 4 is still moving forward with the actor. Movieweb.com reports that Sony Pictures isn’t following other production studios’ reported move to put the actor’s projects on hold. In fact, Sony Pictures is following through with the plans for Bad Boys 4 including Will Smith.
Bad Boys 4 Still In Production With Will Smith
Image: Sony Pictures
Deadline talked to Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony’s Motion Picture Group and got quite an insight as to his views on Sony’s strategy in the industry. When asked about Bad Boys and whether there is truth to the reports that the brakes are being pumped after Will Smith’s Oscar slap, Rothman replied:
No. That was inaccurate. That movie’s been in development and still is. There weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving. That was a very unfortunate thing that happened, and I don’t think it’s really my place to comment, except to say that I’ve known Will Smith for many years, and I know him to be a good person. That was an example of a very good person having a very bad moment, in front of the world. I believe his apology and regret is genuine, and I believe in forgiveness and redemption.
This is very promising for the actor Will Smith. Indeed, there is a chance to move forward and seek forgiveness and redemption. As Sony still keeps the actor for its future roster of movies, Will Smith can still regain what he lost. While there is undeniable truth in saying Smith will be facing a lot of negative publicity as soon as this gets out, the indicator of judgement will still be on ticket sales of the movie.
Bad Boys 4 Still In Production With Will Smith
Image: Sony Pictures
Prior to the eventful Oscar moment, Will Smith movies have churned in lucrative numbers, especially under the Bad Boys franchise. All three movies performed in the worldwide box office. With a total budget of $243M the three movies generated $839M. A Bad Boys movie can actually turn in sales 3.45 times its budget. Whether the Oscars event will affect these numbers, only time will tell. However, given a good writing and story for a movie that also has its own fanbase, it can still be a safe bet to pursue production on another instalment.
Now that part of the movie info is cleared up, we look forward to production development in the next weeks or so for Bad Boys 4.
