Ice Cube and Mike Epps have confirmed that the next film in the Friday franchise, Last Friday, is officially in development, as seen in a trending post on r/movies. The announcement came during an interview on Entertainment Tonight, where Epps stated, "It's going down." The film is set to tackle the issue of gentrification in a neighborhood and is expected to begin filming later in 2026.
Why it matters: This marks a long-awaited continuation of the beloved Friday franchise, which has had a strong cultural impact since its inception. Fans are eager to see how the series will evolve, especially with contemporary social issues being addressed.
Ice Cube created and starred in the original films: Friday, Next Friday, and Friday After Next.
Mike Epps, who starred in the latter two films, confirmed the development during a segment on Entertainment Tonight.
The film's theme of gentrification reflects current societal changes, making it relevant to today's audience.
Filming is slated to begin in late 2026, which gives fans something to look forward to.
Driving the news: The confirmation from Cube and Epps comes after years of speculation about a fourth installment. Fans have been vocal on social media, expressing their excitement and hopes for the film.
Rumors about Last Friday have circulated for years, with little concrete information available until now.
In a previous podcast appearance, Cube discussed a rejected script for a fourth movie that included a storyline involving a dispensary and encounters with familiar characters.
Epps mentioned that he and Cube recently finalized the deal to move forward with the project.
State of play: As the film progresses through development, there are questions about which original cast members will return.
Chris Tucker is reportedly in talks to reprise his role as Smokey, a character beloved by fans.
Cube expressed confidence in Tucker's return, stating, "He’s one of the best... I think he’s going to do it."
Cube also acknowledged the absence of late franchise stars John Witherspoon (Pops), Tiny Lister (Deebo), and Al Johnson (Ezal), promising to address these losses in the new film.
The big picture: The Friday series has been a staple of comedy since the first film's release in 1995, and its return is highly anticipated.
The franchise is known for its relatable humor and commentary on urban life, which resonates with a diverse audience.
Cube hinted that Last Friday will revisit familiar faces and introduce new characters, similar to how franchises like Star Wars operate.
Fans have expressed a desire to see how the characters have evolved since the last film, making the upcoming movie a chance to reconnect with their stories.
What they're saying: Both Cube and Epps have shared their excitement about the project, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
Cube remarked, "I know these characters, know this culture and everything. I know what it need to be. And they don't," referring to studio executives.
Epps highlighted Cube's contributions to the film industry, saying, "That’s another brother that’s put so many brothers on, man."
Fans on social media are buzzing with anticipation, with many expressing their hopes for the film's success.
By the numbers: The Friday franchise has grossed over $100 million collectively at the box office, underscoring its popularity.
The original Friday film grossed approximately $27 million on a budget of $2.5 million.
Next Friday earned around $33 million, and Friday After Next brought in about $33 million as well.
The franchise has maintained a strong following, with fans eagerly awaiting each new installment.
What's next: As development continues, fans will be keeping a close eye on casting announcements and production updates.
Filming is expected to begin later in 2026, with more details likely to emerge as the date approaches.
Cube and Epps plan to maintain the humor and heart that made the original films successful, ensuring that Last Friday stays true to its roots.
Fans are hopeful that the film will honor the legacy of their favorite characters and provide fresh, engaging content.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.