Ice Cube and Mike Epps Confirm "Last Friday" is Happening

The wait is finally over for fans of the iconic Friday film franchise. O'Shea "Ice Cube" Jackson Sr. and Michael "Mike" Epps have officially confirmed that a fourth installment, titled Last Friday, is not only in active development but is also gearing up for production later this year. This news comes as a major relief to a dedicated fanbase that has eagerly anticipated a new chapter for over two decades.

The most recent and detailed update arrived on May 18, 2026, during an appearance by Ice Cube and Mike Epps on "Entertainment Tonight." Epps confirmed that the film was indeed "going down," indicating that cameras are expected to roll sometime in late 2026. This announcement follows a series of teasers, including Epps's revelation in March 2025 on "The Breakfast Club" that Ice Cube had informed him a deal had been finalized. Ice Cube himself had previously hinted at progress in June 2024, crediting new leadership at Warner Bros. Entertainment for the renewed momentum.

Last Friday is set to bring audiences back into the familiar, yet evolving, neighborhood, with a central plotline focusing on the impact of gentrification. The story will pick up in 2025, marking a significant leap of over two decades since the events of Friday After Next, which premiered in 2002. A major point of discussion and excitement is the potential return of Chris Tucker, who famously played Smokey in the original film. Epps confirmed that discussions are underway, stating, "We're talking to him and he wants to come back," with Ice Cube adding, "He's one of the best. I think he's going to do it."

The road to Last Friday has been anything but smooth, characterized by what Ice Cube once described as "development purgatory." For years, rumors and discussions about a fourth film circulated, with original Friday co-writer Mark "DJ Pooh" Jordan confirming he was collaborating with Ice Cube on a script. In April 2017, the late John Witherspoon, who memorably portrayed Willie Jones, or "Pops," in the series, even stated that the final installment had been greenlit. By April 2018, Ice Cube indicated they were "still writing the movie, making sure that's ahead of the curve and not behind the curve," expressing hopes for shooting to commence by the end of that year.

However, the project faced significant obstacles. Following the passing of veteran actor John Witherspoon on October 29, 2019, Ice Cube publicly voiced his deep regret that the film hadn't been made sooner. During Witherspoon's celebration of life ceremony in November 2019, Ice Cube did not hold back, directly attributing the delays to executives at New Line Cinema, specifically Toby Emmerich and Richard Brener. He stated, "I really apologize to my friend for not getting the next Friday movie made. It's not my fault. Some dumbass people in Hollywood, at New Line Cinema." He further elaborated on the creative roadblocks, noting, "I gave y'all punks two scripts, and y'all didn't want to do 'em. That's the real."

Ice Cube's frustration continued into December 2019, when he tweeted about returning "to the drawing board since New Line Cinema was slow on green lighting the LAST FRIDAY script that was full of Mr. Jones." He openly acknowledged that New Line Cinema's ownership of the distribution rights prevented him from taking the project to another studio. The franchise has also had to contend with the losses of other beloved cast members, including Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr., who played the iconic neighborhood bully Deebo and passed away in December 2020, and Anthony "A.J." Johnson, known for his role as Ezal, who passed in September 2021. Ice Cube has assured fans that the new film will respectfully acknowledge the fates of these characters, having previously tweeted his sorrow over Johnson's death, stating, "Sorry I couldn't bring your character Ezal back to the big screen in Last Friday."

Reflecting on the creative process, Ice Cube has consistently emphasized his commitment to genuine humor in the scripts. He noted that his approach to filmmaking, especially with DJ Pooh, has always revolved around "laughing about everything under the sun." He shared his philosophy on script development, stating, "To me, you know, when people say, 'We adlibed the whole thing.' I'm like, 'Hold up, the script is laugh-out-loud funny. Before we even shoot it. It's no shooting the script until everybody that read it is laughing." This dedication to humor ensures that the foundation of the film is solid before any improvisation by the actors, a technique he encourages after the initial script is absorbed.

While the specifics of the Last Friday plot are still largely under wraps beyond the gentrification theme, earlier rejected concepts offer a glimpse into the creative directions considered. One such idea involved Craig and Day-Day operating a dispensary, getting entangled with a flash mob, ending up in jail, and encountering various franchise villains. This version also explored the possibility of Smokey running a "bulls**t rehab." However, studio executives reportedly rejected the jail storyline, deeming it "not funny," which speaks to the fine line the franchise walks between relatable situations and pure comedic gold.

The Friday franchise, co-created by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, first hit theaters on April 26, 1995. The original film, a low-budget comedy directed by F. Gary Gray, became a surprise hit, grossing $27.4 million worldwide on a modest $3.5 million budget. It quickly cemented its status as a cult classic, introducing audiences to the daily lives of Craig Jones and Smokey in South Central Los Angeles. The film was celebrated for its sharp comedic sequences, witty writing, and memorable performances, offering a more lighthearted and fun perspective on urban life compared to the more intense "hood films" of that era. Ice Cube himself articulated the film's broad appeal, stating, "People love Friday because everyone experienced it. Everyone has lived a thousand Fridays."

Its success spawned two sequels: Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002. Mike Epps joined the cast in Next Friday, taking on the role of Craig's cousin, Day-Day Jones, after Chris Tucker opted not to return for the subsequent installments. The films are deeply embedded in hip-hop culture and cinema, cherished for their authentic portrayal of Black neighborhood life, a roster of unforgettable characters, and a wealth of highly quotable dialogue that has permeated popular culture. Ice Cube, a celebrated rapper, songwriter, actor, and film producer, has been central to the franchise's enduring legacy, co-writing and starring in all the films.

With Last Friday now officially moving forward, fans can anticipate a film that aims to honor its roots while addressing the passage of time and the absence of beloved figures. The confirmed returns of Ice Cube and Mike Epps, coupled with the active discussions around Chris Tucker's involvement, signal a concerted effort to deliver a fitting conclusion to a cinematic saga that has resonated with generations. The prospect of seeing the iconic characters navigate new challenges like gentrification, all while maintaining the franchise's signature humor, promises a significant cultural event that viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely.