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The Definitive Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Cast List (2025 Update) – Every Star And Their Shocking Role

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The fourth installment of the iconic buddy-cop franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, has delivered an explosive mix of action and comedy, and as of today, December 10, 2025, the full roster of stars and their pivotal roles is now cemented in cinematic history. This definitive guide breaks down every key player—from the returning Miami legends to the surprising newcomers—who brought the high-octane sequel to life, revealing who played the shocking villain and the major character recasting that had fans buzzing.

The film, directed by the dynamic duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, saw Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett go from hunting criminals to becoming fugitives themselves, all while trying to clear the name of their beloved late Captain Howard. The complex plot required a massive ensemble cast, blending familiar faces from the AMMO task force with powerful new adversaries and family members, ensuring the stakes were higher than ever before.

The Core Bad Boys and Returning AMMO Team

The heart and soul of the franchise, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, returned to anchor the film, but they were joined by a significant number of cast members from Bad Boys for Life, solidifying the new AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations) team as a permanent fixture. The return of these characters added continuity and depth to the series' evolving narrative.

Will Smith as Detective Lieutenant Mike Lowrey

  • Role: The smooth, action-oriented half of the duo. Mike is now married to Christine and grappling with his new role as a husband while facing a personal crisis of panic attacks.
  • Biography: William Carroll "Will" Smith II (born September 25, 1968) is an American actor, rapper, and film producer. He has won an Academy Award, four Grammy Awards, and is known globally for his work in film, television, and music.

Martin Lawrence as Detective Lieutenant Marcus Burnett

  • Role: The family man and comedic relief. Marcus suffers a near-fatal heart attack early in the film, leading to a spiritual awakening and a newfound, almost reckless, sense of invincibility.
  • Biography: Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence (born April 16, 1965) is an American comedian, actor, and producer. He gained fame in the 1990s and is known for his stand-up and starring roles in films like Big Momma's House and the Bad Boys series.

Key Returning AMMO and Family Members

  • Paola Núñez as Captain Rita Secada: Mike’s ex-girlfriend and the new Captain of the AMMO task force, now overseeing the operation to clear Mike and Marcus' names.
  • Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly: The tech-savvy, no-nonsense AMMO specialist who provides critical support and firepower.
  • Alexander Ludwig as Dorn: The gentle giant and tactical specialist of the AMMO team, who is often the butt of Marcus’ jokes but proves invaluable in the field.
  • Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas: Mike’s son and former assassin, who is now imprisoned but is forced to help his father and Marcus track down the real culprit. His complex relationship with Mike is a major emotional arc.
  • Joe Pantoliano as Captain Conrad Howard: Though his character was killed in the previous film, Pantoliano returns through flashback and video footage, as the entire plot revolves around clearing his posthumously framed name.

Major New Cast Members and Character Recasting

Bad Boys: Ride or Die introduced several high-profile new actors, including two major TV stars taking on critical roles, and a significant recasting that brought a new dynamic to the Burnett family.

Eric Dane as James McGrath (The Villain)

Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, steps into the role of the main antagonist, James McGrath.

  • Role: A former US Army and DEA operative who is the true mastermind behind the conspiracy to frame Captain Howard. McGrath is a highly dangerous and intelligent foe, providing a physical and strategic challenge to the Bad Boys.
  • Topical Authority Entity: James McGrath, DEA Agent, US Army, Main Antagonist.

Rhea Seehorn as Judy Howard

Rhea Seehorn, who gained critical acclaim for her role in Better Call Saul, joins the cast as a character with deep ties to the franchise's history: Judy Howard.

  • Role: The daughter of the late Captain Conrad Howard and a U.S. Marshal. Her character is crucial to the plot, as she initially hunts Mike and Marcus, believing they are involved in her father's alleged corruption, before ultimately joining their mission.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Judy Howard, U.S. Marshal, Captain Howard's Daughter, Better Call Saul.

Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett (The Recast)

One of the most talked-about changes was the recasting of Marcus’ wife, Theresa Burnett, who was played by Theresa Randle in the first three films.

  • Role: Marcus’ long-suffering but fiercely loyal wife. Tasha Smith, known for her work in Why Did I Get Married? and Empire, took over the role.
  • Reason for Recasting: While no official reason was given by the studio, reports suggest that Theresa Randle retired from acting after her appearance in Bad Boys for Life, necessitating the change.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Theresa Burnett, Tasha Smith, Theresa Randle, Recasting, Marcus Burnett's Wife.

The Extended Universe of Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The film continued to embrace its extended universe, bringing back fan-favorite cameos and introducing new faces that added flavor and comedy to the proceedings. These LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) characters help to build the topical authority of the franchise.

Notable Cameos and Supporting Roles

  • John Salley as Fletcher: The former NBA player and fan-favorite returns as the hacker and tech expert, reprising his role from the previous films.
  • DJ Khaled as Manny the Butcher: The music producer and personality returns as the eccentric and heavily-armed informant.
  • Tiffany Haddish as Tabitha: The comedian made a memorable cameo as a club owner and informant, adding a burst of chaotic energy to the film.
  • Dennis Greene as Reggie: Marcus' son-in-law, who had a legendary scene in Bad Boys for Life, returns for another humorous and action-packed moment, proving he is truly the "real MVP."

The Directors and Behind-the-Scenes Entities

The success of the fourth film is also heavily attributed to the creative team behind the camera, who seamlessly blended the classic Michael Bay style with a modern, character-driven approach.

  • Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The Belgian filmmaking duo, often credited simply as Adil & Bilall, returned after successfully helming Bad Boys for Life, bringing their distinct visual flair and kinetic action sequences.
  • Producers: Will Smith, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Doug Belgrad. The involvement of Smith and legendary action producer Jerry Bruckheimer ensured the film maintained the high-octane standard of the franchise.
  • Studio: Sony Pictures.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a testament to the enduring chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, but its success in late 2024 and 2025 is equally due to the meticulously assembled cast. By integrating powerful new antagonists like Eric Dane's James McGrath and significant emotional ties through characters like Rhea Seehorn's Judy Howard, the film managed to feel both nostalgic and entirely fresh. The decision to recast Theresa Burnett with Tasha Smith, while initially surprising, ultimately allowed the film to move forward, proving that the Bad Boys universe is bigger than any single actor, ready for whatever comes next.

bad boys 4 cast
bad boys 4 cast

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