Bad Boys: Ride or Die star Will Smith promises the upcoming action sequel won't play it safe. According to the Oscar-winning actor, the movie took "aggressive creative shots" to make the film gripping for critics and audiences.

Speaking with Empire about Ride or Die, Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence teased what to expect in the fourth Bad Boys film. For Smith, Ride or Die took the risks necessary to ensure its story stands out and keep people invested, veering away from the tropes typically associated with sequels. “It has to feel like it earned its right to be a movie today,” Smith said. “I always hate when you see sequels that are victory laps. In Ride or Die we’re taking some really aggressive creative shots.”

Smith and Lawrence return to action in Ride or Die as long-time partners and Miami narcotics agents, Detective Lieutenant Mike Lowrey and Detective Lieutenant Marcus Bennett. The movie sees the duo's careers in jeopardy as they try to preserve the legacy of the late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), who's been framed as a crooked cop following his death in Bad Boys for Life. “We wanted to push the envelope of how much life experience and age specificity you can put into these movies,” Smith said. “With this movie, we’re being really aggressive in stretching what you can do in a summer action movie. There’s a spiritual aspect to it that I think people will be like, ‘Okay, that’s an interesting evolution for Marcus’ character.’” Lawrence echoed Smith's sentiments about his character, saying, “They found something interesting and different from all the movies we’ve done. In four, you’re gonna see something different.”

There Will Be a Big Surprise in Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Smith recently teased a "big surprise" in Ride or Die, which comes nearly 30 years after the original film hit cinemas and became a box-office hit. Despite the suggestive title and the fact both he and Smith are in their 50s, Lawrence hinted at the Bad Boys film series continuing as long as the material continues to be intricate and appealing. “I’m going to carry on as long as my brother carries on,” Lawrence said. “It’ll be very hard to get rid of me.”

Ride or Die sees several other familiar franchise faces returning, including Paola Núñez, Alexander Ludwig and Vanessa Hudgens. Additionally, Jacob Scipio returns from Bad Boys for Life, reprising his role as Armando Aretas, Mike's estranged son, with Smith teasing that he has a major role in the latest sequel's story. The film also stars Rhea Seehorn, Ioan Gruffudd and Tasha Smith,

Bad Boys for Life was the most critically and commercially successful installment of the eponymous franchise, with the movie grossing over $426 million at the box office against a $90 million budget and garnering a 76% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. The threequel's directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, returned to helm Ride or Die, which wrapped filming in March.

Ride or Die opens in theaters on Jun. 7.

Source: Empire