Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Michael Bay’sBad Boyswith Will Smith kicked off the director’s career, where he introduced his distinct visual style. While his films may not be for everyone, no one can deny that he is a visionary filmmaker with a bombastic and gritty approach to staging action sequences. In addition to being known for theTransformersfranchise, he is also celebrated for crafting theBad Boysfranchise.
The success of the first film put Smith and Martin Lawrence on the map, catapulting their star power in the industry. Bay created something special with the first film and there was huge pressure to deliver when they were developing a sequel. The film was going up against tentpole filmsHulkandThe Matrix: Reloadedand the director did his best to mount the film to the level of those two films.
Bad Boys IIGoing Up Against Giants LikeHulkAndThe Matrix ReloadedWas A Huge Risk For Michael Bay
Michael Bay delivered the firstBad Boysfilm as his directorial debut. The director established his bombastic approach to action with that film which became his signature style. The film established Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as the next big superstars. The firstBad Boyswas a big commercial hit and the studio saw a potential franchise with the two actors.
“I never wanted to be one of those dudes who make sequels”: Will Smith Breaks Silence on Bad Boys 5 as Sequel ‘Over-Performs’ at Box-Office in Twist of the Year
There was enormous pressure on Bay to deliver yet another exciting entry with the sequel. At the time it was released, huge studio films likeKeanu Reeves‘The Matrix: ReloadedandEric Bana‘sHulkwere playing in theatres. In an interview withBBC, Bay revealed that he didn’t get the budget he wanted for the film and had to shoot fast and precise.
“You don’t go to that sh*t”: Will Smith Smartly Dodged Allegations of Earning $10,000,000 More Than Bad Boys 4 Co-star Martin Lawrence
The director further stated how he felt responsible for making the movie bigger and better than the first film. Since he was going up against two huge films, he feltBad Boys IIrequired a certain scale and execution to be able to stand toe to toe with them despite budget constraints. Bay said,
We didn’t have a lot of money to make this movie. I had to shoot really fast. Yeah, it’s my over-the-top action, more-violent-than-it-should-be movie. But we were up against Hulk and The Matrix Reloaded. What would you do? You know these movies are coming out. Things just have to get bigger.
Despite the competition,Bad Boys IIwas a decent hit, grossing $273 million against a $130 million budget (viaBox Office Mojo). Smith and Lawrence’s amazing dynamic impressed fans in addition to the bombastic action sequences. It was followed by a sequelBad Boys for LifeandBad Boys: Ride or Die.
Sony Had No Faith In Two Black Actors Leading A Mainstream Commercial Film LikeBad Boys
Back in the day, African-American actors were mostly reserved for supporting roles or insignificant characters in films. While directors like Spike Lee championed Black leads in films, big studios did not entertain that idea. Thus, when Michael Bay wantedWill Smithand Martin Lawrence for the firstBad Boys, Sony was against it.
“Take your shirt off and let me make you a f**king movie star”: Will Smith Admits His Mistake Again For Doubting Michael Bay’s Genius Idea
In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, the director revealed that Sony had no faith in the film as it had two Black actors, which they believed wouldn’t appeal to the overseas market. Thus, he was not provided a decent budget for the film by the studio. Bay said,
Sony didn’t believe in the movie, because two Black actors don’t sell overseas. I have only $9 million. And they shut me down, literally. They shut the power off. That’s how rude they were in this movie.
With a $19 million budget, Bay managed to make a thoroughly entertaining buddy cop film with Smith and Lawrence. The film was a big hit grossing $141 million (viaBox Office Mojo), establishing Bay as a bonafide director.Fans can watchBad BoysandBad Boys IIon Netflix.
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
More from Rahul Thokchom
“His team is non stop with trying to paint him as the goody two shoes”: Jennifer Lopez Gets Surprise Fan Support as Ben Affleck’s Controversial Past Surfaces Amid Divorce
“I don’t know what I’m looking for anymore”: Playing Homelander for So Long Has Made Antony Starr Make a Confession That’s Devastating News for DCU Fans Hoping He Plays an Iconic Justice League Villain
“That wasn’t Thor this whole time”: BTS Picture of Ryan Reynolds From Deadpool 3 Leaves MCU Fans Heartbroken Over Thor’s Crying Mystery
Recommended
Who Is Jasveen Sangha: Ketamine Queen Connected to Matthew Perry’s Death
Sean McLaughlin’s Dad Just Became the Unlikely Villain (or Hero) of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’
Madison Beer’s Boyfriend: Who Is She Dating?
Helldivers 2 X Halo ODST Legendary Warbond Crossover: Complete Rundown
Good Boy Director Explains How He Made His Dog Act in 2025’s Most Inventive Horror Movie
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf: Luke Hemsworth Reveals Marvel Link That Sneaks Into His Dark Wolf Role
Eric BanaKeanu ReevesWill Smith
