How a stalled buddy cop franchise finally returned to the big screen after seventeen years
In short: After the 2003 release of the second installment, the Bad Boys franchise languished in development for nearly two decades. Budgetary hurdles and shifting creative teams repeatedly stalled progress, until a new directorial duo and a fresh script finally brought the iconic detective duo back to Miami for a 2020 blockbuster.
The path to the third film was notoriously difficult. Following the second movie, director Michael Bay expressed interest in returning, but the project faced persistent financial constraints and a revolving door of writers. By 2015, Sony had ambitious plans for two sequels, yet the project was repeatedly delayed and even removed from the studio's schedule in 2017. It was not until 2018 that the production found stability, with the studio hiring the Belgian filmmaking team of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah to lead the project.
Principal photography spanned from January to June 2019, utilizing locations in Atlanta, Miami, and Mexico City. The production employed advanced digital cinematography, specifically Sony CineAlta VENICE cameras paired with specialized anamorphic lenses. This technical foundation supported a narrative that explored the aging detectives' personal lives, including Mike Lowrey's hidden past with a cartel and Marcus Burnett's desire for retirement, all while maintaining the franchise's signature blend of high-octane action and humor.
Upon its January 2020 release, the film defied its long-dormant status to become a massive financial success. It grossed $426.5 million worldwide against a $90 million budget, securing its place as the highest-grossing entry in the franchise and the top-performing January release in history. Critics were generally favorable, praising the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, while audiences awarded it an 'A' grade via CinemaScore. The success paved the way for a fourth installment, released in 2024, cementing the franchise's enduring appeal in the modern Hollywood landscape.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bad Boys for Life
- Also: Wikidata — Bad Boys for Life · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Bad Boys for Life: The Soundtrack · CC0
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