By: Renae Richardson
They’re back. It’s been a long time coming, but now it’s official: Friday 4 is loading. Honestly, it’s been a long time coming, but we all deserve a holiday. And Ice Cube is serving up exactly what fans are looking for.
It’s Official
An Ice Cube and Mike Epps appearance on Entertainment Tonight brought the good news. Per Blexmedia,
Ice Cube and Mike Epps made it official during a recent appearance on Entertainment Tonight, confirming that the long-awaited fourth installment in the Friday franchise has a signed deal, an active writing room, and production expected to begin later this year. “
Boy, has the road been paved with uncertainty!
Where It All Began
Ice Cube. Image Source: Jeremiah Lazo, Courtesy of the Dallas Observer
The year was 1995, and it was a good year. April 26th made it even better when Ice Cube got fired on his day off; there was nothing left to do, and so he and Chris Tucker, Smokey, just decided to chill out on the block. Even on one’s day off, a lot can transpire. A collective of talented actors gathered and ensured that fans understood what happened when one mixed comedy, drama, and the hood on a fateful Friday. Per a journalist for Cinema Crazed,
“No stone is left unturned in Friday.” The neighborhood sees it all, from failed romance to a crooked pastor. The movie is packed with quotable characters, memorable moments, and a dash of gross-out humor. Nothing ever goes too far in any direction, keeping the film relatively tame for its R rating.”
A Launchpad for Greatness
It was not only a defining film for Cube, who not only played the signature role and co-wrote the script alongside DJ Pooh but also for F. Gary Gray, who after Friday went on to add a solid collection of films to his directorial catalogue, including Set It Off, The Italian Job, The Negotiator, Men in Black, and The Fate of the Furious, to name a few. Friday‘s success paved the way for more of the same. There was, Next Friday and Friday After Next. The sequels would introduce new characters, rebalancing the comedy for audiences.
A Long Road Back
Although 2002 would mark the next chapter, it was not due to be the end. Talks about a fourth had always been a centerpiece of conversation. It was with the hope that many of the original castmates would be reunited. Unfortunately, time has its own plans, and a fair number of the original cast made their final curtain calls in life. And for many, while not an absolute, there was little hope that another Friday would be done. Then in 2025, the tide seemed to turn. As an article in Variety at the time noted,
“Ice Cube has reached a deal to write and star in a new ‘Friday’ movie for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema. The new feature, which is titled ‘Last Friday,’ will mark the fourth entry in the comedy series — and the first in over 20 years.”
The Energy Is Real This Time
Excitement had been stirred, but it still wasn’t concrete enough to send hopes soaring again. This recent announcement feels very different. Mike Epps had been leaking some exciting tidbits here and there, keeping the energy going. As it stands, things are seeming more solidified, and perhaps now the fans can just lean into the newfound information. Per Blexmedia,
“Plot details are being kept close to the chest, but Cube and Epps confirmed that Craig and Day-Day are back, and the story will center on the gentrification of the neighborhood.”
Celebrating the Legacy
It’s been a long time coming for sure, but it’s never too late to circle the block on this one. As a very special treat, a means of remembrance and celebration — Cube and Epps are hosting an event: Every Day’s Friday: Lyrics, Loungin, and Laughing. Fans will get a chance to gather at the Long Beach Amphitheater on July 17th. For those wondering what is in store for those who attend, the evening promises
“A live performance from Ice Cube, a headlining stand-up set from Epps, and guest appearances from Warren G and Scarface. Fans who show up dressed as their favorite Friday character will have a chance to win cash prizes of up to $2,000.”
A fitting way to look back at how, 30 years ago, a concept and a tribe of people committed to seeing it through became a cultural mainstay.
What’s Next
Details are sparse, but that is to be expected at this stage. Per the source, if things go as planned, fans could be looking to pour into theaters and celebrate another Friday in 2027; that’s if Ice Cube has anything to say about it.
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