Movies News Talk
Major spoilers for Bad Boys: Ride or Die underneath.Bad Boys: Ride Or Die has a major supporting actor absent even though none else seems to have noticed. While almost every movie series can pause over 20 years and return strong, the Bad Boys movie franchise is not like other ones. While 2020's tardy Bad Boys for Life revived the franchise after a 17-year hiatus and demonstrated there was still an audience for the escapades of Miami cops Mike (Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence), the 1995 original made Will Smith a cinematic celebrity and marked Michael Bay's directional debut.
With Mike and Marcus driven to go on the run to clear the name of their late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), Ride Or Die's cast mostly consists of members from the heart of the franchise returning. During a summer blockbuster season desperately in need of one, Ride or Die has been a huge box-office hit and there is obviously still demand for more. Although Mike and Marcus should be inching closer to retirement at this point, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die's denouement allows for another outing.
One of the best legacy sequel examples that knew what audiences enjoyed about the originals and what fresh components to include was Bad Boys for Life. Mike and Marcus were compelled in this sequel to work with AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations), a group of younger, hipper investigators including Vanessa Hudgens' Kelly, Alexander Ludwig's Dorn, and Charles Melton's Rafe. The old and new schools have some early conflict, of course, but by Bad Boys for Life's finale they all learn to cooperate.
Melton's Rafe is totally absent from Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, nor is he referenced, but Ludwig and Hudgens' characters return for the new movie (and have started a covert romance). Rafe's removal from the most recent adventure seems a little odd in a sequel full of allusions to prior entries, notably the surprise comeback of John Salley's hacker Fletcher from the first two films. Rafe having left Miami, even an offhand reference suggesting he had moved would have readily explained his absence, but Bad Boys: Ride or Die chooses not to mention him whatsoever. With his cocky demeanor reflecting Smith's Mike from the first two visits, Rafe was a great complement to the third film. It's unfortunate his character doesn't show up for Ride or Die and that the movie doesn't even try to justify it.
One theory is that Charles Melton was filming Riverdale's last season when Bad Boys: Ride Or Die was filming, overlapping considerably in 2023. Fascinatingly, neither Melton nor the directors of Bad Boys: Ride or Die have revealed why Rafe didn't come back. Though it's a matter of yet unresolved, suspected scheduling problems were responsible. Melton might have been busy filming Riverdale's last season when Ride or Die was filming, which overlapped considerably in 2023.
Given the movie already has to serve several characters, Rafe was also simply never meant to be part of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Projects like 2023's May December are helping Melton's acting career to flourish; he will next feature in Alex Garland's Warfare starring Cosmo Jarvis and Will Poulter. Whether or if Melton rides or dies, audiences can expect more from him in not too distant future.
The most unexpected aspect of the absence of Melton's Rafe in Bad Boys: Ride or Die is that most fans have not seemed to notice. Though it's difficult to see where Rafe might have fit into the story, the cast is loaded with fresh faces and known names. Though considering Mike's son Armando (Jacob Scipio) plays a major role in the fourth film, Rafe feeling like a mirror image of a young Mike could have been an interesting aspect to investigate. Rafe may have felt surplus to needs in that regard.
Whereas Rafe's field of expertise was more vague, Hudgens' Kelly and Ludwig's characters had obviously defined responsibilities inside AMMO as the weapons specialist and techie respectively. Melton is a dynamic actor, but it was wise to let Rafe sit the tale out if it turned out he wouldn't have anything to play in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Given Ride of Die's financial performance, there also remains the likelihood he may resurface for Bad Boys 5, a sequel appearing quite plausible.
For decades, the Bad Boys series has been a cherished one offering a mix of action, humor, and emotion. Two Miami cops who are both as much friends as they are partners— Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett—form the dynamic team of the show. For years, viewers have found humor and thrills from their intense exploits. With every movie providing a fresh experience for the couple, moving them from the streets of Miami to the worldwide scene, the franchise boasts a rich legacy.
The fourth Bad Guys series film is Ride or Die. Bad Boys: Ride or Die keeps on the tradition of the series with its action-packed scenes, clever language, and unforgettable characters. With the popularity of the series, it is obvious that viewers are ready for more; the movie has spurred rumors of a possible fifth installment. Though the direction of the Bad Boys Franchise is unknown, one thing is certain: Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett are a dynamic team that keeps viewers laughing.