"Grateful for all the love": Will Smith reminisces 30 years of the first Bad Boys movie

Will Smith, 56, played a significant role in the grand success of the renowned Bad Boys movie franchise. The Hollywood actor reminisced about those special days and celebrated three long decades of the first Bad Boys film.

The Seven Pounds star recalled the journey of shooting Bad Boys (1995) with a series of pictures of the team and precious moments of behind-the-scenes of filming it.

He uploaded the carousel Instagram post jointly with co-actor Martin Lawrence and the franchise’s Instagram handle. Sharing memorable glimpses from the first Bad Boys film, Will Smith wrote,

"30 years ago @jerrybruckheimer, Don Simpson and @michaelbay took a chance on us and Bad Boys was born!!"

The star of the Bad Boys franchise expressed his gratitude for the love and appreciation that the film cast has received in the last three decades. Smith further added,

"Grateful for all the love y’all have shown us thru the years"

Will Smith's post dedicated to the Bad Boys film is pure nostalgia

The celebratory post includes snapshots of different times of filming the first film of the iconic series. From snippets of the cast to photos featuring Martin Lawrence, Joe Pantoliano, Theresa Randle, Michael Imperioli, and Téa Leoni, all the photos evoke a sense of nostalgia for everyone.

Will reminisced about the special achievement by sharing photos of Bad Boys producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay.

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Will Smith wowed fans worldwide with his performance as Detective Mike Lowrey in the popular movie franchise. His on-screen companionship with Detective Marcus Burnett, played by Martin Lawrence, is one of the grandest highlights to look out for.

June 10, 2024, marked the "30th anniversary of the start of principal photography of the first Bad Boys." Will Smith celebrated this iconic day by sharing his journey, how he got the renowned role, his bond with co-star Martin, and an unforgettable dinner that changed everything.

Taking to Instagram, Smith wrote,

"This month marks the 30th anniversary of the start of principal photography of the first Bad Boys. DAMN! I was 25 years old. Marty Mar was 29. Just two kids - who lucked out and got to live their dreams on the first try. @martinlawrence had the role first."

Interestingly, Lawrence's sister, Rae, "convinced" the actor to pitch Will Smith the role of Detective Mike Lowrey. Recalling those days and a special dinner, he further penned,

"We had one dinner - Martin pitched me the idea and I was hooked. "Let’s go! When can I read the script?" Marty Mar’s face scrunched up. "Nawww - you can’t big Willie. The script’s not there yet. You just gotta trust me and commit." If you know me, you know I do NOT like flying blind like that."

Smith did not want to ruin his "shot to work with a comedic genius like Martin". Recollecting his conversation with Martin, the I Am Legend actor continued in his Instagram caption,

"I said, you know what? F*** it. I’m in. And the rest is history. Thank you for tagging me in, Marty Mar. You are the definition of a Ride or Die. So… when we doin’ Part 5??"