Nationwide — Ice Cube has officially struck a deal to bring back the beloved “Friday” franchise, more than two decades after the last installment. The rapper, actor, and filmmaker will write, direct, and star in Last Friday, the long-awaited fourth film in the iconic comedy series. The agreement with Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema marks a major breakthrough after years of stalled negotiations and creative disagreements.
Back in 2022, Ice Cube opened up about his frustrations with the studio during an episode of Mike Tyson’s Hotboxin’ podcast. He revealed that Warner Bros. had been unwilling to relinquish distribution rights or give him full creative control over the franchise. “It’s my movie, but they have distribution control,” he said at the time, voicing his concern that the studio was standing in the way of progress.
That persistence has finally paid off. Cube will not only return to the screen but will also helm the project as director, giving him the creative freedom he’s long pushed for. His role in shaping the franchise — from co-writing the original Friday with DJ Pooh to writing the sequels Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002) — has been instrumental in its cultural legacy.
The Friday series, which began in 1995, has become a cornerstone of Black comedy in American cinema, known for its humor, memorable characters, and sharp commentary on everyday life. After Warner Bros. absorbed New Line Cinema, development on a fourth film stagnated, but this renewed partnership between Cube and longtime collaborator Mike De Luca has breathed new life into the project.
While fans are thrilled about the return of Last Friday, many details remain under wraps. There is no official release date or cast list yet, and it’s still unclear whether original stars like Chris Tucker or Mike Epps will reprise their roles. For now, excitement is building as Ice Cube gears up to bring the story full circle and reintroduce the franchise to a new generation.