Bad Boys 4 Cast Update Confirms Another Major Character Return

With many franchise stars already confirmed for the next installment, Bad Boys 4 is confirmed to feature another major character return. The action-comedy franchise sprung back to life with its 2020 threequel, which saw both the best reviews and highest box office gross among the previously helmed Michael Bay installments. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are returning to lead the Bad Boys 4 cast alongside Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, John Salley and DJ Khaled, as well as newcomers Tasha Smith, Ioan Gruffudd, Eric Dane and Rhea Seehorn.

As filming continues on the fourquel, Variety has brought word that Jacob Scipio is returning for Bad Boys 4‘s cast. The British actor previously made his debut in the franchise with 2020’s Bad Boys For Life, playing the villain-turned-tragic-character Armando Aretas, revealed to be Mike’s son. His confirmed return comes after the threequel’s mid-credits scene set up a major arc for the future.

Why Scipio’s Bad Boys 4 Return Is Key For The Sequel

Given Mike’s offer to Armando to put his skills to use for some good in Bad Boys for Life‘s ending, Scipio’s franchise return seemed all but guaranteed, but the confirmation marks a promising sign for the next movie’s story. One of the biggest keys behind the threequel’s success was its evolution of Smith’s playboy character into a more mature figure, which stemmed from his confronting the demon of his past in the form of Kate del Castillo’s Isabel. Most notably, the moment Mike let go of his rage to tell Armando the truth was a sign of his overall growth.

As such, Armando’s continued involvement in Bad Boys 4‘s story is essential to continuing this evolution towards more mature and layered character development for its leads. While he may be keen to move on from his criminal past, it would be interesting to follow his adjustment towards a more normal life, particularly with the help of his loose-cannon father and the more mild-mannered Marcus. It will also be interesting to see how Armando’s bigger presence in Mike’s life affects those around him, including his complicated relationship with his ex, and now Miami Police Captain, Rita.

With recent set photos indicating that Mike will actually get married at some point during Bad Boys 4‘s runtime to franchise newcomer and Alan Wake 2 star Melanie Liburd, the former’s past with Armando is sure to be a tenuous point for the couple heading into their future. However, given For Life writer Chris Bremner and directing duo Adil & Bilall are returning in their respective positions for the fourquel, Scipio’s return is sure to offer plenty of the same powerful character development for Armando and Mike as seen in the prior movie.

Source: Variety