After years of negotiations, script rewrites, and the loss of key cast members, Ice Cube has confirmed that the fourth installment of the “Friday” film series, tentatively titled “Last Friday,” is officially moving forward. In an interview with Flavor Flav’s Flavor of the Week on SiriusXM, the “Boyz n the Hood” star said that a new installment of his hit comedy movie series is moving forward.
This significant development comes after prolonged uncertainty, during which Ice Cube expressed frustration over Warner Bros.’s reluctance to greenlight the project.
Cube credited new leadership at Warner Bros., particularly Mike De Luca, for reviving the long-anticipated sequel. De Luca’s support has been pivotal in overcoming previous hurdles that had stalled the film’s progress. Ice Cube remarked, “They finally came to their senses.”
The journey to bring “Last Friday” to the big screen has been fraught with challenges. Ice Cube has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with Warner Bros.’ handling of the franchise, especially concerning delays and creative differences. He stated that the studio had rejected two scripts he penned, citing that “the timing wasn’t right.” This led to a period where the project seemed to be in “development hell,” with constant revisions and no clear direction.
A significant setback occurred with the passing of John Witherspoon in 2019, followed by Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr. and Anthony “A.J.” Johnson in subsequent years. These losses not only impacted the film’s potential storyline but also highlighted the urgency of moving forward with the project. Ice Cube expressed his frustration, noting that the prolonged delays led to the loss of these irreplaceable talents.
Despite these challenges, Cube has remained committed to delivering a sequel that honors the original’s legacy. He has hinted at the possibility of reuniting with Chris Tucker, who portrayed Smokey in the original “Friday” but was absent in the sequels. While Tucker has expressed interest, he has emphasized the importance of a compelling script before committing.
The original “Friday,” released in 1995, was a critical and financial success, grossing $27.4 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget. It introduced audiences to the comedic duo of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, setting the stage for sequels that continued to explore the humorous antics of their characters.
As “Last Friday” moves closer to production, fans eagerly anticipate the return of beloved characters and the unique humor that defined the franchise. With Ice Cube’s determination and the support of new leadership at Warner Bros., the sequel is finally becoming a reality, promising to bring closure to a saga that has been a staple of urban comedy for decades.
