The Bad Boys Are Back! Unveiling The FULL Cast Of 'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' And The Shocking Recast

The iconic Miami cop duo is back, and the stakes have never been higher. As of December 18, 2025, the buzz surrounding the fourth installment in the beloved franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, is at a fever pitch, promising the most explosive and personal mission yet for Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This latest chapter, which hit theaters in June 2024, sees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles, but the cast list is packed with both familiar faces from Bad Boys for Life and a surprising, yet significant, character recast that has fans talking. This comprehensive guide breaks down the full, updated cast roster, their roles, and the latest biographical details on the franchise's legendary stars.

The film, directed by the dynamic duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, takes the action-comedy formula to a new level, forcing the "Bad Boys" to go rogue as they attempt to clear the name of their late Captain, Conrad Howard. The supporting ensemble is a mix of returning AMMO team members and new antagonists, ensuring a fresh blend of high-octane action and signature comedic banter.

The Legendary Duo: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence (Biography & Recent Updates)

The heart of the Bad Boys franchise lies in the incomparable chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, who have been portraying Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett since 1995. Their careers have only grown in stature since the original film, with both actors continually evolving their craft across film and television.

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Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey

• Full Name: Willard Carroll Smith II
• Born: September 25, 1968 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Role in Franchise: Detective Lieutenant Michael "Mike" Lowrey, the stylish, wealthy, and often reckless half of the duo. In Ride or Die, Mike is now a married man, adding a new layer of grounded responsibility to his character.
• Career Highlights: Smith is a two-time Oscar winner (Best Actor for *King Richard* in 2021) and a Grammy-winning rapper. His filmography includes blockbusters like *Independence Day*, *Men in Black*, *Ali*, and *The Pursuit of Happyness*.
• Recent Projects (Post-2020): His major work includes the critically acclaimed *King Richard* (2021), where he played Richard Williams, and the upcoming project *Fast and Loose*.

Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett

• Full Name: Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence
• Born: April 16, 1965 (Frankfurt am Main, West Germany, now Germany)
• Role in Franchise: Detective Lieutenant Marcus Burnett, the family-focused, highly moral, and often reluctant partner. The new film sees Marcus experience a near-death event, leading to a newfound, slightly chaotic, sense of invincibility and confidence.
• Career Highlights: Lawrence is a legendary stand-up comedian and actor who rose to fame with his hit television sitcom *Martin* (1992–1997). His film career includes *Big Momma's House* and *Blue Streak*.
• Recent Projects (Post-2020): Besides the Bad Boys franchise, Lawrence has continued his work in comedy and acting, with an upcoming film credit for *Skank* (2024).

The AMMO Team and Key Returning Characters

The success of Bad Boys for Life was due in part to the introduction of the AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations) team, a younger, more technologically savvy unit that both assisted and annoyed the veteran detectives. Several key members of this team are returning for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, along with other pivotal figures from Mike and Marcus's lives.

The Significant Recast: Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett

One of the most talked-about updates for the new film is the recasting of Marcus’s long-suffering wife, Theresa Burnett. Theresa Randle, who played the character in the first three films, did not return for the fourth installment.

• Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett: The role of the devoted wife to Marcus Burnett is now played by veteran actress and director Tasha Smith, known for her roles in *Why Did I Get Married?* and the TV series *Empire*. This change is a major development, marking the first time the role has been played by a different actress in the franchise's history.

Returning AMMO Squad Members

• Paola Núñez as Captain Rita Secada: Originally a member of the AMMO team and a former flame of Mike Lowrey, Rita is now promoted to Captain in the Miami Police Department, taking on a role that often puts her at odds with the "Bad Boys" as their superior.
• Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly: Hudgens reprises her role as Kelly, the AMMO team’s weapons specialist. Her character provides the technical and tactical edge the older detectives often lack.
• Alexander Ludwig as Dorn: Ludwig returns as Dorn, the AMMO team's tech expert and a surprisingly sensitive giant. His skills are crucial as Mike and Marcus go off-grid.

The Lowrey Family and Allies

• Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas: Scipio reprises his pivotal role as Armando, Mike Lowrey’s son, who was introduced as the main antagonist in Bad Boys for Life. His presence in Ride or Die suggests a continuation of his complex redemption arc, potentially as an uneasy ally.
• Joe Pantoliano as Captain Conrad Howard (Flashbacks/Voice): Although his character was tragically killed in the third film, the plot of Ride or Die revolves entirely around Mike and Marcus attempting to clear Captain Howard's name after he is posthumously framed for corruption, ensuring his presence is felt throughout the film.
• John Salley as Fletcher: The former NBA star returns as Fletcher, the eccentric computer hacker who has appeared in all previous Bad Boys films. His brief, comedic appearances are a franchise staple.
• DJ Khaled as Manny the Butcher: The music mogul also reprises his cameo role as Manny the Butcher, further cementing the film's Miami flavor and star-studded cameos.

New Faces and Potential Villains in 'Ride or Die'

Every great action-comedy needs a formidable new threat, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die introduces a major new player to challenge the detectives, alongside a few other fresh additions to the ensemble.

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Eric Dane as the Main Antagonist

• Eric Dane: Known for his major roles in *Grey's Anatomy* and *Euphoria*, Dane joins the cast as the film's primary villain. While specific details about his character's name and motives are kept under wraps, he is confirmed to be the new central antagonist, driving the plot that forces Mike and Marcus on the run.

Other New Additions

• Ioan Gruffudd: The Welsh actor, known for *Fantastic Four* and *Forever*, has been cast in an undisclosed role, adding another layer of intrigue to the supporting cast.
• Melanie Liburd: The actress from *This Is Us* and *Power Book II: Ghost* also joins the ensemble in a new role, suggesting a fresh dynamic in the Miami crime landscape.

The Topical Authority of the Bad Boys Franchise

The Bad Boys franchise, which began in 1995 under the direction of Michael Bay, is a cornerstone of the modern "buddy cop" genre. The transition to the new directorial team of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah for the third and fourth installments, known collectively as "Bad Boys 3" and "Bad Boys 4," successfully revitalized the series by blending Bay’s signature action style with deeper character development and a more modern, global perspective.

The films have consistently explored themes of partnership, loyalty, and the complex balance between police work and personal life. Bad Boys: Ride or Die continues this evolution, pushing Mike and Marcus into a scenario where their deep-seated trust in each other is the only thing that matters, as they are forced to operate outside the law to clear their friend's name. The addition of Tasha Smith and the promotion of Paola Núñez’s character, Rita, ensures that the film maintains its topical relevance by injecting fresh talent and advancing the roles of key female characters within the action-packed narrative.

With its June 2024 release, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a testament to the enduring appeal of the original 1990s action movie sensibility, proving that the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is still box office gold. The updated cast, including the introduction of Eric Dane and the surprising but welcome recast of Theresa Burnett, promises a film that is both nostalgic for long-time fans and exciting for a new generation of action enthusiasts.

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