Martin Lawrence recently sat down in an exclusive interview with EBONY, discussing his successful 35-year career and his close friendship with Will Smith. While the Philadelphia native’s film projects were pushed back due to the infamous Oscars slap, the 57-year-old confirmed the pair’s latest project is moving forward.
In 1995, the two comedy legends were at the height of their careers with the classic Martin and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcoms. However, they later transitioned to the big screen and became the stars of the Bad Boys franchise. The first installment earned over $141 million worldwide, leading to two sequels: Bad Boys II (2003) and Bad Boys For Life (2020).
“It was big,” Lawrence explained. “For us to come together and prove that we can deliver, and we can pull people into the box office—that two Black stars, two sitcom stars, could make money at the box office [was huge].”
He added, “It also was an important pivot for him personally and professionally. “I didn’t go to college, so I felt TV was my college years. I felt with movies. I had graduated; it was just different.”
This month, we’re celebrating the beauty & freedom of Black Joy with comedy king Martin Lawrence. From being the first host of Def Comedy Jam, to co-starring with Eddie Murphy in Boomerang, we take a hilarious walk down memory lane with EBONY's #JulyCoverhttps://t.co/hBoKBWU9hz pic.twitter.com/GebgnaRID2
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In May, Sony Chairman Tom Rothman initially denounced claims that Bad Boys 4 wasn’t going to happen regarding the controversial incident between the 53-year-old and Chris Rock, Sis2Sis reported.
“That was inaccurate. That movie’s been in development and still is,” Rothman explained. “There weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving. That was a very unfortunate thing that happened, and I don’t think it’s really my place to comment, except to say that I’ve known Will Smith for many years, and I know him to be a good person.”
Meanwhile, Lawrence also condemned previous reports of the film being postponed.
“We got one more at least,” the funnyman said during the interview.
Last month, Lawrence reunited with former cast members Tisha Campbell, Tischina Arnold and Carl Payne for Martin: The Reunion. The special was dedicated to the late Thomas Mikal Ford while celebrating the beloved ’90s sitcom that is still being aired 30 years later.
Lawrence will also receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame later this year.
“I want my legacy to be that I was one of the funniest brothers to ever grace the mic, that I was one of the funniest comics to ever walk this earth, and that people really enjoyed my work.”
