In a surprise turn of events, Sony's latest action-comedy film, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," has breathed new life into the struggling summer box office. The movie, which marks the fourth installment in the long-running franchise, exceeded expectations with a domestic opening of $56 million and a global haul of $104.6 million.

Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" has been a significant milestone for Smith's career, particularly after the infamous Oscars incident two years ago. The film's success has set him on the path to a remarkable comeback. With an A- CinemaScore and generally positive reviews, it seems that Smith's star power has resonated with both critics and audiences alike.

One statistic that verifies Smith's enduring popularity is the composition of the film's audience. A staggering 44 percent of viewers were between the ages of 18 and 34, indicating a significant following among younger consumers. Additionally, black moviegoers made up the largest quadrant of the audience, accounting for 44 percent of the film's viewership.

"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" has also defied industry predictions, becoming one of the few films this summer to surpass tracking estimates. Initially projected to open in the $48 million to $50 million range, the movie has exceeded expectations and only ranks behind "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" as the second biggest domestic launch of the season, which debuted with $58 million.

As a follow-up to "Bad Boys for Life," which was released in January 2022, the $100 million production has already proven its worth. Before theater closures due to the global pandemic, the prequel opened to $62 million and went on to accumulate an impressive $426 million at the global box office. Now, with "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," Smith and Lawrence reprise their roles as Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, who find themselves on the run when their late police captain's name becomes entangled with drug cartels. The film follows their journey as they race against time to clear their captain's reputation.

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (known as Adil & Bilall), "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" features a script penned by Chris Bremner and Will Beall. This movie represents a significant milestone for Smith, serving as his first major theatrical project since the 2022 Oscars incident, during which he confronted Chris Rock on live television.

According to recent reports, Smith's agents at CAA have reached out to studio production executives, exploring potential projects for the actor's future. The success of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" has created positive momentum and the hope is that Smith's next project can be announced swiftly, building upon the film's performance.

With its strong opening weekend and positive reception, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" has undoubtedly reinvigorated the summer box office and solidified Will Smith's return to the forefront of Hollywood's most sought-after actors.