The anticipation for the release of Columbia Pictures’ Bad Boys: Ride or Die in China has been met with excitement as it signals the return of the Bad Boys franchise to the mainland cinemas. This is following the success of the previous installment, Bad Boys for Life, which received a warm reception in the country.
Despite the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, there is optimism surrounding the box office prospects for Bad Boys: Ride or Die in China. While Bad Boys for Life did not perform as well as expected in China, other Will Smith movies such as Men in Black 3 and Aladdin proved to be successful in the market. This track record suggests that there is a potential audience for the action-packed sequel in China.
Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra expressed confidence in the domestic box office prospects for Bad Boys: Ride or Die. With a projected $50 million opening, it is expected to be one of the top openings of the summer. Vinciquerra believes that as the market begins to recover and more big films are released, audiences will return to theaters.
Vinciquerra’s optimism about the box office resurgence in the second half of the year is grounded in the belief that once people get back into the habit of going to theaters, the industry will see a comeback. He envisions a steady stream of big film releases starting in July, which will improve the overall box office performance.
The potential success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die in China and the domestic market hinges on the audience’s willingness to return to theaters and embrace the theatrical experience once again. With a strong track record for the Bad Boys franchise and the star power of Will Smith, there is reason to believe that the film will attract audiences both in China and domestically. As the industry looks towards a brighter future, the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die could pave the way for a resurgence in the box office.