Will Smith has made movie history in Saudi Arabia as Bad Boys: Ride or Die has become the highest-grossing film in the country’s history.
The fourth installment in the nearly 30-year-old Bad Boys franchise has been a huge global hit, grossing almost $400 million worldwide since its release in early June.
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The film has also broken all existing Saudi Arabia cinema records, surpassing Top Gun: Maverick to become the highest-grossing film in the Persian Gulf state’s history with $23 million made at the box office so far.
Smith celebrated breaking the record on his Instagram, writing: “WOOOWWW!!! @badboys Ride or Die just became the BIGGEST movie of ALL TIME in Saudi Arabia!! SHUKRAN, LAKUM.”
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He also posted a number of behind-the-scenes pictures and videos of him and co-star Martin Lawrence on the film’s press tour in the country.
“That was spectacular,” the Oscar-winner said in one clip after leaving the recent screening in Riyadh. “We have made history. First-ever Hollywood premiere in Saudi Arabia. The Bad Boys have come and delivered. This is amazing. Saudi, all love.”
Away from his movie success, Will Smith recently announced that he is releasing his first album of music in almost 20 years.
In an interview shared by the Instagram account Black Film Allies, Smith discusses details about his first project since 2005’s Lost and Found.
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“Over the past year and a half, I’ve been in the studio,” he said. “I have a project that is the most personal and powerful music project I’ve ever done. The idea of the music is, ‘Dance in your darkest moments.’”
The upcoming project is supported by two singles: the uplifting gospel anthem “You Can Make It,” which he performed at last month’s BET Awards, and the Russ-assisted “Work of Art.”
Bad Boys: Ride or Die also marked Smith’s first music release since 2020 when he hooked up with Sean Paul on “Light Em Up.”
The dancehall-flavored song found The Fresh Prince showcasing his agility on the mic with different flows while reminding listeners that he hasn’t missed a beat since the days of Big Willie Style.
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“Back in this bitch like I never left / The Devil came for me, should have worn a vest / You thought I lost something, I ain’t miss a step / You want some old me? Say less,” he rapped.
