Fans of the iconic Friday film series can finally rejoice — a new installment titled Last Friday is officially in development. According to Variety, rapper, actor, and filmmaker Ice Cube has reached a deal with Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema to write and star in the long-awaited sequel.
This marks the first film in the beloved franchise since Friday After Next, which hit theaters in 2002. After over two decades of delays and uncertainty, Cube is now moving forward with plans to revive the franchise that launched countless cultural catchphrases and cemented his place in comedy history.
Back to the Block: Ice Cube Reunites with New Line Leadership
Cube previously hinted at progress on the film during a June 2024 interview, revealing that a change in studio leadership may have helped get the ball rolling. Speaking on his renewed relationship with Warner Bros., he mentioned Mike De Luca, the executive who helped greenlight the original Friday movie.
“They have new leadership: my man Mike De Luca, who used to be at New Line when I first started, when I first did the first Friday, The Players Club, and All About the Benjamins,” Cube explained. “Mike De Luca was there.”
That longtime connection seems to have paid off, with New Line Cinema President and CCO Richard Brener confirming the exciting news to The Hollywood Reporter.
“We are making another Friday. We just closed a deal with Ice Cube to write and star. It’s going to be called Last Friday,” Brener revealed.
A Look Back at the Friday Franchise
The Friday series began with the cult classic Friday (1995), co-written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh. Cube went on to write and star in Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002), both produced by New Line Cinema. The trilogy has maintained a strong cultural presence over the years and has long been considered a staple in urban comedy.
Fans have repeatedly called for a fourth film, especially following the tragic passing of franchise legends John Witherspoon (who played Pops) and Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr. (Deebo). Now, with Last Friday officially on the table, it seems Cube is ready to deliver a proper sendoff.
Ice Cube Expands His Empire with BIG3 Basketball League
In addition to his return to the big screen, Ice Cube is busy expanding his innovative BIG3 Basketball League — a professional 3-on-3 league featuring former NBA players and global stars. Speaking with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on his radio show, Cube expressed his excitement about the league’s upcoming season and plans to grow its presence.
“Extremely excited! The league is growing and people have anticipated this season… We’re planting our flag in eight cities this year,” Cube said. “This is just what the doctor ordered.”
The league is also eyeing international expansion. Cube confirmed plans to head overseas, with Australia as the next major destination.
“We’re going to Australia this year. We’re being hosted by the NBL (National Basketball League), which is probably the second-best league in the world,” he explained. “We hope to eventually launch BIG3: Asia and create a global tournament. We’ve got the long game in mind.”
What to Expect from Last Friday
While full casting and plot details have yet to be revealed, the announcement alone has fans buzzing with anticipation. Will Craig return to the neighborhood? Will the memory of beloved characters be honored? And how will Last Friday blend nostalgia with a new generation of comedy?
If Ice Cube’s track record is any indication, the film is likely to balance heart, humor, and classic hood storytelling in a way that both old and new fans can appreciate.
Stay tuned for updates on Last Friday, casting announcements, and the official release date. One thing’s for sure — Friday is far from finished, and Ice Cube is once again proving why he’s a cultural icon on and off the screen.
