After his controversial incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped Chris Rock, Will Smith is aiming for redemption with his new movie Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The 55-year-old actor is banking on the success of the film to restore his tarnished reputation. Industry insiders believe that Bad Boys 4 could be the platform for Smith to make a strong comeback, with one stating that his talent and financial success do not diminish with one mistake. Reviews of the film noted a scene where Smith's character is slapped multiple times by Martin Lawrence, interpreted as a direct reference to The Slap incident. While some critics found this attempt at self-awareness tasteless and predictable, others see it as a conscious effort by Smith to address the controversy. With his career at stake, Smith seems determined to move forward and rebuild his image through his work in Bad Boys: Ride or Die.