Fact Check: Will Smith Acted, Fired Prop Gun and Operated Camera at Same Time on Set of 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'?

Claim:

An authentic video shared in June 2024 shows actor Will Smith simultaneously operating a movie camera strapped to his body, acting and pretending to shoot a gun on the set of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die."

Rating:

True ( About this rating? )

In June 2024, ahead of the release of his film "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," a viral video of Will Smith appeared to show him acting and and pretending to shoot a gun with a camera strapped to his body .

Many online shared the video, praising the actor's skills. One user on X, referencing the infamous slap Smith gave to comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, wrote, "Imagine letting a little slap stop this greatness. Will Smith is HIM." Sports and pop culture blog Bar Stool Sports also shared the video on TikTok with the caption , "Will Smith filming in this scene is UNREAL." The video was shared by The Daily Mail tabloid on TikTok as well.

The video shows Smith moving through a set wielding a gun, with a camera strapped to his chest. He turns the camera as he moves through the scene so it captures his perspective over his gun.

The above video is authentic, was indeed shot on the "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" set, and originated on Smith's verified TikTok profile. As such we rate this claim as "True."

Smith shared the video himself on June 4, 2024, with the caption, "Just wait until you guys see this scene in @Bad Boys: Ride or Die …"

"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" was scheduled to be releasei in theaters on June 7, 2024.

Sources:

Evon, Dan. "Was Chris Rock Wearing Protective Cheek Pad Before Will Smith Slap?" Snopes, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/chris-rock-will-smith-cheek-pad/ . Accessed 6 June 2024.

Thompson, Jaden. "'Bad Boys 4' Trailer: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Are Back in Action in Explosive First Look at 'Ride or Die.'" Variety, 26 Mar. 2024, https://variety.com/2024/film/news/bad-boys-4-trailer-will-smith-martin-lawrence-1235685313/ . Accessed 6 June 2024.