Source: Ray Mickshaw / Getty / Mike Epps
For those wondering if Ice Cube is moving forward with Last Friday, actor/comedian Mike Epps has confirmed the next movie in the comedy film franchise is happening.
Speaking with The Breakfast Club, the Friday After Next star revealed that he received word from Ice Cube, the creator of the movie franchise, that the movie had been greenlit.
“He called me the other day, said we just finished the deal. So, we doing the last Friday, man,” Epps told Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy while praising Cube. “And big shout-out to Cube; that’s another brother that has put so many brothers on, man, and don’t really get the props for it. Put me, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, I mean name ’em. This dude gave dudes opportunities.”
When asked about the script, Epps revealed he hasn’t seen it yet but is confident that it is good, adding we can expect to see new comics, plus the OGs in the film. “I haven’t seen the script, but I’m pretty sure it’s good. And we’re gonna bring in the new comics. We’re gonna put the DC Young Flys and all of them in with the OGs. It’s going to be a good ass time.”
Epps also talked about wanting Chris Tucker, who starred as Smokey in the original 1995 film, to return. “People still love Chris Tucker, he’s still Smokey,” Epps said. “He laid it down, he positioned me to do it. So Chris, if you’re listening, we need you, baby boy. Come on back.”
Last Friday Is Finally Out of Development Hell
Last Friday has long been a topic of discussion, but the film has been in development hell for some time due to Cube battling over the franchise’s rights and creative control.
In June 2024, the rapper/movie producer announced that, thanks to new leadership, he and Warner Bros. are finally working on the new installment in the franchise.
While this is exciting news, many on social media believe it’s too late, noting the passing of John Witherspoon who played the hilarious father of Ice Cube’s character Craig and Tommy Lister Jr. who played the iconic hood bully, Deebo.
“They’re going to have to pay so much love to John Witherspoon and Zeus Lister,” one user on X, formerly Twitter wrote.
Another user on X wrote, “Seeing how Coming To America 2 did after all these years that passed. Let it go. Shit gon be corny, jokes gon be corny. Evolution of comedy has declined truthfully.”
We shall see how Last Friday continues to develop, you can see more reactions in the gallery below.