The latest addition to the Bad Boys franchise, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” has astounded audiences and critics alike, proving that this series still has plenty of fuel left in the tank. The film achieved a remarkable Saturday performance, drawing in $19.5 million. This impressive showing led to a projected opening total of $56 million, marking the highest-grossing R-rated debut since last July’s Oppenheimer.
Will Smith‘s surprise visit at Baldwin Hills Cineplex over the weekend added to the film’s buzz. His engagement with fans didn’t end there; Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence appeared on the popular YouTube series Hot Ones amidst a whirlwind publicity tour spanning three continents and ten cities, including Dubai and Riyadh.
A Blockbuster Opening
This new installment didn’t just capture domestic attention; it captivated global audiences, bringing in a staggering $104.6 million worldwide. Among the first-weekend numbers was Smith’s sixth-highest U.S./Canada opening in his career, and for Martin Lawrence, it marked his eighth No. 1 domestic opening.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The Hold from Friday to Saturday mirrored what Bad Boys for Life managed to achieve with a minimal -8% decrease. Imax and PLFs accounted for 38% of the gross stateside, detailing that the format choices helped boost revenue significantly. Across North America, specifically, AMC Southlake Pavilion in Atlanta topped North American theaters by grossing $155K so far.
Sony’s comprehensive marketing campaign under Sony Motion Picture Group co-president Josh Greenstein played a pivotal role. According to Sanford Panitch, acclaimed industry figure welcoming Josh Greenstein stated, We are excited to welcome Josh as he takes on this new role and expands the purview of what our film division can be
Road to Success with Precision PR Efforts
The global marketing extravaganza spanned high-profile live sports events across NBA Finals, UFC matches, and Indycar races. Collaborations extended into social media platforms, where influencers collectively reached over 1.4 billion people worldwide.
Personal Appearances Make a Difference
The profound impact of Will Smith’s personal involvement can’t be overstated. His reappearance in talk shows like The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, participation in sound tracks listening events hosted by Spotify, and various red-carpet premieres were all parts of the grand promotional strategy.
This success is an encouraging sign for theaters everywhere. The Bad Boys franchise is alive and well, illustrating that thoughtful marketing and star power can still electrify both national and global box offices.
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