Ice Cube is finally bringing the beloved Friday franchise back to life. As reported by Variety, the rapper, actor, and filmmaker has officially closed a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema to develop a new Friday movie. The announcement marks a major turning point after years of legal and creative disputes between Cube and the studio.
The Franchise Returns
The original Friday, released in 1995, became a cult classic for its hilarious and heartfelt depiction of life in South Central Los Angeles. Co-written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, the film starred Chris Tucker as Smokey and Cube as Craig. It spawned two sequels — Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002) — both of which expanded the series’ cultural legacy.
This upcoming installment, tentatively referred to by fans as Last Friday, will be developed under Cube Vision, Ice Cube’s production company. Cube has long advocated for creative control and ownership of the franchise, and this new deal reportedly includes greater creative freedom, a key sticking point in earlier negotiations.
A Legacy Honored
The new Friday film will also aim to pay tribute to original cast members John Witherspoon (Pops) and Tommy Lister Jr. (Deebo), both of whom passed away in recent years. Ice Cube has previously stated that any continuation of the story must honor their memory.
While casting and release dates have yet to be announced, the project’s greenlight signals a major moment in Black cinema and comedy. Fans have been vocal about their love for the franchise and are already speculating about returning cast members and new additions.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another sequel — it’s the return of one of the most iconic Black comedy franchises of all time. Ice Cube’s successful negotiations represent a powerful win for creator-led storytelling, especially for Black filmmakers seeking ownership in Hollywood.
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