A major career comeback seemed to be a distant dream for Will Smith post the Oscar slap of 2022. With widespread outrage and industry bans, Smith's career was left in shambles in an immense fallout. But Smith's star power is once again shining bright, proving that in Tinseltown, a comeback kid can always make a triumphant return. Smith has defied the odds, staging a stunning comeback with a string of box office hits, including his recently released blockbuster hit. 

Smith's latest flick, as his final ode to master class series, has silenced his critics by re-establishing himself as a Hollywood heavyweight. 

As reported by Variety, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is off to a strong start, hauling in $21.6 million on its opening day and projecting a $53 million weekend take. Sony had initially estimated a more modest $30 million debut, but the action sequel exceeds expectations. The film's success is a welcome surprise for the studio, which has been navigating a summer box office marked by high-profile titles underperforming.

While it may fall short of the $62.5 million opening weekend of its predecessor, Bad Boys for Life, the new installment is still expected to perform well. With a boost from IMAX and premium formats, the film is poised for a successful run. The franchise's enduring popularity and the chemistry between stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are likely contributing to the film's strong start. 

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As the summer box office continues to unfold, it seems like Bad Boys: Ride or Die has served as the perfect summer-end watch for all.

Notably, the Academy Award slap controversy did not deter Will Smith's box office appeal, as his latest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, is projected to succeed with a $100 million production budget. Running parallel with the box-office records, the movie also landed with a significant audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Moreover, it roared to a staggering $5.9 million in domestic preview screenings, marking the highest preview total for an R-rated film since the Oscar sweeper, Oppenheimer, setting the stage for a strong box office debut.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is deemed Smith's true comeback vehicle due to its high profile and commercial appeal, unlike his subsequent films like Emancipation. The movie's success has evidently ensured Smith's return to Hollywood's good graces. With a built-in fan base and a successful franchise, this film is poised to revitalize Smith's career, making it a crucial milestone in his post-Oscar controversy journey.

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What are your thoughts on the box-office debut of the Will Smith starrer?