Before it officially hit the 2024 movie schedule, the highly anticipated "Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s" Hollywood red carpet premiere was the place to be. Stars of the excellent action movie series and key figures from the franchise gathered for a night filled with excitement and nostalgia. One standout among the crowd was the original franchise director, Michael Bay, the visionary filmmaker who helped launch the comedy phenomenon led by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The "Transformers" moviemaker’s presence was a poignant reminder of the franchise's storied past as he reflected on the journey of his "baby" that started it all.

The "Armageddon" helmer, renowned for his explosive and visually stunning cinematic style, directed the original "Bad Boys" film in 1995. This movie not only launched a successful franchise but also catapulted Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Bay himself into stardom, as it was his directorial debut. In a video posted on Instagram, Michael expressed his deep connection and admiration for the series despite not directing this latest installment.