Will Smith’s Bad Boys co-star describes his ‘intense’ habits on stage and shares the hilarious reason he can’t look him in the eye during filming

On December 28, 2024By Littum

At this point, Will Smith has long been a fixture in the Hollywood landscape and has managed to endear himself not only to fans, but also to the people he’s worked with. Some of his co-stars have spoken highly of him over the years, and some have noted the energy he possesses while on set. It seems he can also be “intense” at times, but according to John Salley, Smith’s co-star in Bad Boys film. Plus, Salley shared the funny reason why he couldn’t look Smith in the eye when they were filming.

Former NBA player John Salley played the impressive hacker-turned-techie-turned-artist Fletcher in three of the four Bad Boys film. So he’s had plenty of experience working with the Six Degrees of Separation star over the years. Salley recently discussed their on-set dynamic with fellow pro basketball veteran Byron Scott on Quick break podcast (which is on YouTube). After referencing the Independence Day star’s intensity, Salley explained that his co-star possesses a specific acting touch:

Will is (intense). Will knows every line. … So when you (do a scene with Will), you can’t look at him because his lips are moving. Because he says your line, knowing his line is coming, because that’s how he remembers it. He’s like (pretends to mouth). And you think, ‘What the hell is wrong with your lips?’ I say your line.’ It’s like, ‘I say so!’

Fletcher (John Salley) talks to Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in Bad Boys: Ride or Die — (Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

It is actually not the first time that Will Smith’s tendency to talk about lines. During Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion, actresses Karyn Parsons and Tatyana Ali recalled how Smith would ruin scenes by speaking their lines to them. Of course, the leading man didn’t mean to confuse them because, as John Salley explained, that’s how the star remembered his own lines. I can imagine it would be a little weird on set, but it’s hard to argue with Smith’s methods, especially since he has an Oscar.

The former Detroit Piston was preceded by other members of the Bad Boys cast members have opened up about what it’s like to work with Hancock star. Eric Dane, who played the antagonist in Ride or dieopened up about that topic several months ago. During the discussion, Dane praised Will Smith for his commitment on set and gave kudos to co-star Martin Lawrence for the same reason. Franchise newcomer Melanie Liburd also praised Smith and Lawrence for helping cultivate a healthy and fun set. As for series OG Joe Pantoliano, he thanked Smith for facilitating his return in the fourth film.

You have to remember that there is a reason why Will Smith has been such a sought after actor in the entertainment industry for decades now. He certainly has the talent and screen presence as he has proven several times. In addition, it also seems that people just enjoy working with him and appreciate his professionalism. Later in his interview, John Salley even praised Smith

As for Seven Pounds star’s tendency to speak his co-star’s lines to them, I’m not sure if that habit will be dropped at this point. Should that be the case, he could continue to humorously trash co-stars in ways that confused John Salley and others. I suppose everyone simply has their own method of memorizing lines. On that note, can we please get some b-roll of the star actually doing this on set, because I’d love to witness it myself.

You can see Will Smith (not mouth lines) in it Bad Boys: Ride or Diewhich can now be streamed with a Netflix subscription. The first two films in the franchise are also available on that platform, while the fourth is available to Hulu subscription holders.