Bad Boys: Ride or Die includes a big reference to Syd, and it only makes Gabrielle Union’s absence from the sequel worse. Audiences were introduced to Marcus Burnett’s sister, Sydney Burnett, in Bad Boys II, which marked Gabrielle Union’s debut in the franchise. The sequel brought her into the fold to be the new love interest for Will Smith’s Mike Lowrey. The two had great chemistry in the film and were together when Bad Boys II ended. This understandably created an expectation that Syd would have a continued presence in the franchise from that point on.

Instead, the Bad Boys movies have failed to bring her back once again. After missing out on Bad Boys for Life, Gabrielle Union is also not in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The absence of Syd made some sense after the third installment clarified that Syd and Mike broke off their relationship following Bad Boys II. But, there was still hope that she could return in some fashion in the fourth entry. With Gabrielle Union missing from the cast list, the film lacking her appearance was not a surprise. But, how Syd is referenced is surprising and disappointing.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Referenced Syd During Mike’s Wedding Reception

Marcus Mentions His Sister Again

Syd is one of the many Bad Boys: Ride or Die Easter eggs and references that the movie has to offer, and the film does not wait that long before delivering this one. Marcus gives a speech during Mike and Christine’s wedding reception and recounts Mike’s previous romantic relationships. He mentions a witch, a prostitute, and his sister, referring to Isabel Aretas, Max Logan, and Sydney Burnett. Marcus’ speech spins from there as he tells Mike that he would have supported his and Syd’s relationship.

It is through this sequence that Bad Boys: Ride or Die references Gabrielle Union’s character. Much like how Bad Boys for Life handled addressing Syd’s absence, Bad Boys 4 mostly brushes past her history with the characters and franchise. Still, the film ultimately reminds viewers of Syd and Mike’s relationship and that they did not end up together. Referencing Syd’s importance is better than Bad Boys 4 completely replacing Gabrielle Union or ignoring her, but the way it happens only further illustrates that she could have been in the movie.

Bad Boys 4 Proves Mike & Syd Could Have Ended Up Together

A Happy Ending Was Possible

There is now clear proof that Mike and Syd could have had a happy ending together in the franchise. The movies never fully addressed why Mike and Syd’s relationship did not last, but Bad Boys: Ride or Die still proves that it was not fully a matter of fear of commitment on Mike’s end. He is capable of leaving his bachelor status behind and settling down after all. This happens with Christine for the purposes of Bad Boys 4, but it just as easily could have been Syd if they reunited after Mike matured and was ready to get married.

Marcus’ speech as Mike’s wedding is even helpful in suggesting that Syd could have been who Mike married. He finally admits that he would have been okay with his sister and best friend being together if that is what made them happy and he was not kept in the dark. The fear of how Marcus would react to their relationship was the reason Mike never told him about dating Syd in the first place. If Marcus was now comfortable with the idea of Mike and Syd being together, their biggest obstacles would have disappeared.

Bad Boys 4 Bringing Gabrielle Union Back As Syd Would Have Improved The Movie

She Is Directly Connected To The Story

It is very easy to imagine Bad Boys 4‘s story working with Gabrielle Union returning as Syd and taking the place of Christine. The movie would not be able to begin with Mike’s wedding, but him and Syd reconnecting could be the focus early on. From that point on, Bad Boys 4 could have shown Mike and Syd growing closer and rekindling their romance all these years later. Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘s ending could even include their wedding then after successfully completing their main mission.

Sydney taking the place of Christine also could have improved the film’s climax a bit. Instead of Bad Boys 4‘s final act revolving around Mike saving his wife as a hostage, Syd being in that place removes the damsel in distress element. She is more than capable of saving and protecting herself and Captain Howard’s granddaughter. Syd would then be able to help Mike and Marcus take down the villains instead of being a bystander. Marcus’ story would also improve as he would have someone he loves in the crossfire.

Since Bad Boys: Ride or Die focuses so much on Mike’s growth and even directly connects to Bad Boys II‘s drug bust, Syd’s involvement in both stories would have been a great way to bring everything full circle. This would also set up Gabrielle Union to appear in a potential sequel. Now, it will be up to future installments to bring her back after Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘s Syd reference.