After years of anticipation, the Friday franchise is moving forward. Lawrence Lamont, director of One of Them Days, will helm Last Friday, the long-awaited fourth installment created by Ice Cube.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures are developing the project. Ice Cube, who co-created the original film, will write, produce and star. Bob Teitel and Michael Gruber will also produce, with Jeff Kwatinetz as executive producer.
Lawrence Lamont Brings Comedy Experience to the Franchise
Lamont made his feature directorial debut with One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA as best friends facing a financial crisis in Los Angeles. The comedy grossed more than $51 million worldwide on a reported $14 million budget before reaching a wider audience on Netflix.
He previously directed music videos for Big Sean, J. Cole, Jhené Aiko, Snoop Dogg and Nas. His work on One of Them Days earned recognition from the African American Film Critics Association and an NAACP Image Award nomination for outstanding directing in a motion picture.
His background in fast-paced comedy and stories about friendship and everyday struggles makes him a fitting choice for the franchise.
A Beloved Franchise Returns
The original Friday debuted in 1995, starring Ice Cube as Craig Jones and Chris Tucker as Smokey, two friends navigating a chaotic day in South Central Los Angeles. Its memorable characters, situations and dialogue helped make it a cult classic.
The franchise continued with Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002. Mike Epps joined the sequels as Craig’s cousin, Day-Day, while Tucker appeared as Smokey only in the original.
Ice Cube is confirmed to return, but the rest of the cast has not been announced, and Tucker’s involvement remains unconfirmed.
‘Last Friday’ Heads Back to Southern California
Last Friday is expected to film near the franchise’s roots after receiving approximately $11.4 million in California production tax credits. The project is planned as a 40-day shoot in Southern California, with an estimated 43 cast members and 150 crew members.
The studio has not announced a release date or story details, but Lamont’s hiring marks significant progress.
With Ice Cube returning and Lamont directing, Last Friday could begin a new chapter while preserving the humor, friendship and spirit that made the original films cultural staples.
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