Will Smith Hurt: ‘Bad Boys 4’ Production in Jeopardy After Infamous Chris Rock Slap
Will Smith's supposed hit flicks, including "Bad Boys 4," have been put on hold following the actor's assault against Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported that Sony halted the production of the upcoming installment of the "Bad Boys" franchise. A statement obtained by CBR confirmed that there would be a pause "as things play out."
Smith had already received 40 pages of its script before the ceremony, and its production had been in active development.
It remains unknown how long the postponement would last, but "Bad Boys" director Michael Bay has also since spoken up about the Chris Rock slap.
In a video shared by Fox News Digital, Bay - who was asked during a beach outing - said that he did not see the events go down. However, he did hear about it after the assault happened.
While he is not sure whether the actor should have been escorted out of the event, he said that Will's action was unlike the person he knows since the actor is a very steady man.
"My reaction was like everyone's reaction. He's a great guy - I've never seen him mad. I just saw the clip, you know. And I'm no one to judge. He's just not an angry guy," he said.
Will Smith's Netflix Movie "Fast and Loose" Also Affected
Before the Oscars ceremony, "Fat and Loose" supposed director David Leitch withdrew from the Netflix project to work on Universal's "Fall Guy." The streaming platform immediately launched an urgent call to hire another director to work on the project.
But after Smith's blunder, Netflix ultimately decided to keep the project out of the spotlight.
Due to the condemnation the "King Richard" actor has suffered so far, it is unclear whether Netflix would push it through with another actor or let things pass first.
With the postponement of "Bad Boys 4" and "Fast and Loose," Smith has one last card in his hand -- Apple+'s "Emancipation." The escape drama is now in post-production, with the streamer already planned to release it this year.
Smith still started losing everything after saying his apology during his Best Actor acceptance speech and in an Instagram post. He also resigned from the Academy after the incident.
"I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken," a part of his statement said.
