At this year's Academy Awards, Will Smith walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face for making a joke about his wife. The backlash to that was sudden and very vocal on social media, and by the time all was said and done, several of the actor's projects were scrapped or put on hold. Smith also resigned from the Academy shortly before receiving a 10-year ban from the Oscars.
The "Best Actor" winner has since kept a low profile, and there's been a lot of chatter online about Bad Boys 4 being one of Smith's many upcoming projects to get put on hold due to his actions.
However, during a conversation with Deadline, Sony Pictures Chairman Tom Rothman set the record straight. "No. That was inaccurate," he said of reports that Bad Boys 4 is on hold. "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."
Bad Boys for Life exceeded box office expectations, grossing $436 million worldwide. Needless to say, Sony can't afford to shelve this franchise and it's ultimately down to them to decide whether they want to continue working with Smith. The Oscar-winner has apologised for his actions and accepted the consequences, so moviegoers will be the ones to decide whether they want to see him on screen.
The movie doesn't have a release date, but we'll be sure to let you know if and when that changes.
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