Bad Boys OG Talks About Changes That Happened In 4 Movies Starring Will Smith And Martin Lawrence, And It Really Shows How Hollywood Works

A lot has changed within the Bad boys movies (that we have ranked) since the action/comedy saga began in the ’90s. And I’m not necessarily just talking about the developments that have played out on screen. The series’ two leads, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, have seen evolutions in their careers since that 1995 film hit theaters. Fellow franchise OG Joe Pantoliano explained how he’s witnessed the changes that have taken place across all four films and, honestly, his perspective really shows how Hollywood works.

Joe Pantoliano has the rare honor of not only working with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence on four major productions, but also working with them on one film. Matrix alum seems to be working well with his co-stars, although it should also be noted that they have become much more than his on-screen partners. During a conversation with Vanity FairPantoliano discussed the evolution of his working relationship with Lawrence and Smith and the specific dynamics that have changed over the decades:

Creatively, I started working with Will and Martin and we were actors in a movie, and then the second movie I was working with movie stars in a movie, and then the third and fourth movie I was working for Will Smith—now he’s my fucking boss! (Laughs.) And in the last movie, Martin has an EP. So I couldn’t be happier. When I saw number 4, the one thing I took away was that they’re just so fucking funny. The chemistry between Martin and Will, they’re like Tracy and Hepburn. You can’t bottle it—it’s magic.

Fans should remember that the two leads of this franchise were not the huge Hollywood stars they are today. Years ago, they were on the rise and tried to cash in on their success with TV sitcoms The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air And Martin in film careers. They eventually proved successful, as the first Bad boys film took them to new professional heights. Since then, they have both entered the production sector, which is why one or both of them took on the aforementioned roles For life and the recently released Ride or die.

The comments that Joe Pantoliano shared really show how an actor’s professional position in Hollywood can change over time after they’ve found success. A number of stars have been in that position, from Denzel Washington and Reese Witherspoon to Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise. It’s certainly interesting to see how the careers of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith have evolved, and it’s hard not to be happy about the success they’ve achieved. And when it comes to their signature buddy cop franchise, they’ve certainly helped steer it in the right direction. Of course, they haven’t done it alone, in front of or behind the camera. Joe Pantoliano spoke about the creative impact of another certain big producer during his interview:

I have to mention that the overwhelming shadow on all of these films is Jerry Bruckheimer. Bruckheimer is the most creative, artistic producer. He has an incredible eye, and so his influence on his directors is great.

Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and co. continue to find ways to surprise the audience and keep them engaged in this franchise. For example, I was genuinely surprised when the Bad Boys: Ride or Die trailer revealed that Joe Pantoliano’s Captain Howard would reappear after his death in 2020 For lifeThat continued popularity is leading some to wonder if a new installment is on the way. Will Smith Discussed a Fifth Movie recently, and said he’s open to it if there’s a story worth telling. Of course, given how busy Smith and Lawrence are in Hollywood right now, scheduling it might be easier said than done. Though I’m sure the actors/producers would make time for it, and if they do, I hope they can somehow get Pantliano back on board.

Bad Boys: Ride or Dieone of the biggest titles on the Film Schedule 2024is still playing in theaters now. You can also stream For life if you have access to an active Hulu Subscription.

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