Actor Will Smith Leverages Nostalgia in Resurgence Efforts After Recent Controversy

Entertainment | June 7, 2024, 10:35 a.m.

J Balvin's Coachella set in April featured a surprise appearance from Will Smith, who performed "Men in Black" as he made a comeback after an incident at the Oscars in 2022. Smith has been making public appearances, including on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" and "Hot Ones," to promote his upcoming movie "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." The film, the latest installment in a long-running franchise, will be released nationwide on Friday. After the infamous "Slap" incident that threatened to derail his career, the industry is paying close attention to see if audiences are ready to welcome Smith back. With a whirlwind publicity tour that took him around the world, Smith is determined to prove himself once again as a leading Hollywood star.