Sony has confirmed Bad Boys 4 is still in the works despite the Will Smith Oscar slap controversy.
The company's chairman, Tom Rothman, has put to bed rumours that the upcoming flick will be stopping production after the ‘unfortunate’ incident with its leading star.
Rothman revealed to Deadline that talks of terminating the project were ‘inaccurate’.
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He said: “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."
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His remarks come just a week after CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell asked Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of the first three Bad Boys films, for an update for the fourth instalment.
“I can’t answer that question other than to (say), people who are higher up have to make that decision,” Bruckheimer said.
Since the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony, where the actor assaulted comedian Chris Rock, several of Smith’s projects have been halted in response to the slap.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Netflix has put his upcoming action thriller Fast & Loose on the ‘back burner’ for the time being, while Apple TV+’s Emancipation, which was meant to have Will Smith starring, has also been delayed to 2023.
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Following the incident, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and apologised to the organisation in April.
He said: “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.
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He concluded his statement: “So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
It’s unclear when Bad Boys 4 will hit theatres, but the film will also see Martin Lawrence reunite with Smith as Miami police detectives.
Topics: Will Smith, TV and Film, Celebrity, Bad Boys
Charisa Bossinakis