It’s official. After over two decades of speculation, setbacks, and fan-fueled hope, Ice Cube has finally sealed the deal with Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema to bring the beloved Friday franchise back to the big screen. Titled Last Friday, this long-anticipated fourth installment is no longer a barbershop rumor or internet wish—it’s happening.
The news was confirmed by Richard Brener, president and chief creative officer of New Line Cinema, in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, with Variety echoing the announcement. For fans of Craig, Smokey, and all the memorable characters of South Central’s funniest block, this marks a cultural moment years in the making.
The People’s Sequel: A Franchise Fans Refused To Let Go
The Friday series began in 1995 with a modest budget, a tight script, and an dynamic duo—Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. What followed was a trilogy that defined a generation of comedy, with Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002) cementing the franchise’s cult classic status. But while fans kept quoting “Bye, Felisha” and reenacting Big Worm confrontations, Hollywood stalled.
Cube, who wrote and starred in all three films, never gave up. His dedication to Last Friday became legendary—fueling petitions, interviews, and candid calls for studio action. The turning point came in 2024, when Cube confirmed on Flavor of the Week with Flavor Flav that new leadership at Warner Bros., specifically Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, had recently revived the conversation.
“They have new leadership. My man Mike De Luca… was there when I did the first Friday, Players Club, All About the Benjamins. Mike knows the culture. He gets it” Cube explained.
What We Know (And Don’t Know) About “Last Friday”
Plot details are still tightly under wraps, but Cube’s return to writing and leading the project suggests a return to the franchise’s roots: sharp humor, authentic neighborhood dynamics, and timeless characters. However, not everyone’s convinced just yet. One X (formerly Twitter) user posted:
“I’ll believe it when I see an official trailer and it’s slated for release by the theaters“.
It’s a fair sentiment. After all, fans have been here before. But with studio confirmation now in hand, momentum is clearly shifting from rumor to reality.
A Legacy Worth Revisiting
The Friday franchise isn’t just comedy. In fact, it’s cultural DNA. It launched careers, sparked slang, and spotlighted the everyday joys and struggles of Black communities with humor, honesty, and heart. Its impact on hip-hop, cinema, and internet culture is immeasurable. And now, Last Friday offers a chance to close the saga on Cube’s own terms—one final joint for the people.
The official release date has yet to be announced, but make no mistake: Last Friday is no longer a “what if”, but more of a “when”. For now, stay locked. Because when that trailer drops, it’s going to be one for the books! And if you ever needed a reason to call off work… this is it.
