Well, well, it looks like Hollywood’s love for sequels is bringing back an actual fan favorite people want to see. Mike Epps has confirmed that Last Friday, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved Friday film series, is officially in the works. During an appearance on The Breakfast Club on March 4, Epps revealed that Ice Cube called him to share the good news.
“[Ice Cube] called me the other day and said we just finished the deal,” Epps said. “So, we doin’ the last ‘Friday’ man.”
If you’re a franchise fan, Epps, who has been part of the Friday universe since Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002), expressed gratitude towards Ice Cube for his consistent efforts to elevate others in the entertainment industry. “Shoutout to Cube, man. That’s another brother that’s put so many brothers on, man. Man, this dude put so many— and don’t really get the props for it. Put me, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, I mean name ’em,” Epps added, paying tribute to the cast of actors Cube helped launch into stardom.
Moreover, Epps is excited about the project, but he confessed that he hasn’t yet seen the script for Last Friday. “But I’m pretty sure it’s good,” he said with a grin. He also teased that the film will feature new talent alongside the returning stars, including D.C. Young Fly, while emphasizing that the “OGs” would be back too.
Here’s what we all want to see … Epps also made a passionate plea for Chris Tucker to return as Smokey, a fan favorite from the original film. “People still love Chris Tucker. He’s still Smokey. He laid it down,” he noted. Then, addressing Tucker directly, he said, “Chris, if you’re listening, we need you baby boy. Come on back.” However, Tucker’s involvement remains uncertain, as he previously departed the franchise due to his religious beliefs.
The reality of this long-gestating sequel is that for years, rumors about Last Friday have circulated, and many fans have been eager for its release, especially after the death of John Witherspoon in 2019. Comedian Katt Williams, who played Money Mike in Friday After Next, spoke out in January, stressing the urgency of making the film to honor Witherspoon’s legacy. “We lost some great people before [Friday 4] could come out, regardless. So yes, there desperately needs to be one. But we miss John Witherspoon in a way that can’t really be quantified,” Williams shared.
Williams also revealed that he had been in talks with Ice Cube about writing his part for Last Friday. “I was supposed to have been writing it. This is what these guys are mad about,” he explained during his interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay.
The Friday franchise, created by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, has remained a cultural staple since the first film’s release in 1995. The stoner-comedy series follows Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and his quirky friends and family navigating life in South Central Los Angeles. The original film became a surprise hit, earning a dedicated fanbase that only grew with the success of the sequels Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002). Additionally, an animated TV series based on the films aired briefly on MTV2 in 2007.
The Friday series has become a defining franchise in comedy, and fans have eagerly awaited the next installment. While production details are still under wraps and no official timeline has been set, Epps confirmed that the deal is officially finalized and the film is on its way.
Here’s the original Friday movie trailer for ish and giggles.