“He was doing full method acting”: Will Smith Was Impressed by DJ Khaled as Record Producer Set to Return for Bad Boys 4-HO

According to Will Smith, DJ Khaled was ‘in-character’ throughout his time on the ‘Bad Boys for Life’ (2020) set.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die trailer has given audiences an explosive glimpse into what to expect from the upcoming fourth installment of the buddy cop actioner franchise.

It sounds like an exciting lineup for the latest installment of the franchise! Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane, and DJ Khaled bring a diverse range of talents and experiences to the cast, adding depth and excitement to the adventure. With such a talented ensemble, audiences can expect an entertaining and memorable movie experience.
DJ Khaled in Will Smith's Bad Boys for Life (2020). Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
Speaking of the record executive, even Bad Boys star Will Smith was stunned by Khaled’s dedication to the role of Manny the Butcher. Within the given material, the 48-year-old disc jockey was actually able to entertain the viewers with his on-screen presence. It turns out he went full method-acting mode once he stepped into the set of Bad Boys for Life (2020).

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as the headlining stars, who divulged the details in an interview, were left utterly amused.

DJ Khaled’s ‘Method Acting’ On Bad Boys for Life (2020) Surprised Will Smith

Will Smith in Bad Boys for Life (2020)
In a recent interview on Complex’s 360 With Speedy, Oscar-winning actor Will Smith sat down for a conversation with Speedy Morman, expounding on the various facets of his life. When Bad Boys co-star Martin Lawrence dropped in for a short visit, the interviewer asked the two talents to shed light on DJ Khaled‘s involvement in the third film of the buddy cop action-comedy franchise Bad Boys for Life (2020).

The host wondered whether there was truth to the rumor of Khaled coming to set every day even before the shooting of his 2-minute appearance commenced. To this, Smith responded:

“Khaled was doing full Method acting. He was like in character walking to set and all of that.”

In the third movie, Khaled’s Manny the Butcher appears for a short course of time. Despite that, he entertained and impressed even veteran Hollywood stars like Smith and Lawrence.

The latter even remarked on the record producer’s on-set antics, explaining that he would yell out his lines. Etching out a picture of the disc jockey’s enthusiasm and passion, Aladdin alum Will Smith added, “He took it real serious.”

The two stars concluded that having Khaled in the movie’s production was a delight. With the hip-hop producer tagging along for another ride in the film franchise, it would be exciting to look forward to the future for further on-set anecdotes and shenanigans.

What Is Will Smith And Martin Lawrence’s Bad Boys 4 About?

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024). Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.


The latest trailer for the fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise sets the stage for an exciting new adventure. In this installment, the deceased Captain Conrad Howard, portrayed by Joe Pantoliano, is framed for alleged ties to drug cartels. Detectives from the Miami Police Department, played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, take it upon themselves to clear their former boss’ name. However, they soon find themselves entangled in a web of deception, forcing them to go on the run.

The trailer showcases adrenaline-fueled action sequences and heightened comedy, promising an exhilarating viewing experience for fans. Sony Pictures Entertainment’s official synopsis teases the thrilling journey ahead.

“This Summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your-seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.”

Will Smith in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024). Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

In contrast to the dramatic tone of “Bad Boys for Life,” the upcoming sequel “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is expected to offer a different experience, according to director Adil El Arbi. While the third installment marked a departure from the previous films, the director duo Adil & Bilall, known for their work on “Bad Boys for Life,” will return to helm the fourth film. Adil El Arbi hinted at a shift in tone, suggesting that “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will bring back some of the classic elements that fans love about the franchise while introducing new thrills and excitement.

“…What’s going to happen in this one is, I think, that there’s going to be way more comedy. The third one had the dramatic tone. With this one, it’s really our purpose to get people laughing and having a good time in the theater. Martin [Lawrence] is going to a higher level in this one. This is the culmination of the Marcus Burnett arc.”

Expectations remain high as audiences wonder how the latest run will uphold the essence of the ongoing saga that began in 1995. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die will be released theatrically in the United States on June 7, 2024.

You can check out the trailer below: