Full Breakdown
Ice Cube and Mike Epps Confirm Development of “Last Friday,” the Fourth Friday Film
5/19/2026, 4:03:03 AM
Core Development Update
Ice Cube and Mike Epps announced on Entertainment Tonight that “Last Friday,” the fourth installment of the Friday franchise, is officially in development. Production is slated to begin later this year, and the story will focus on the gentrification of the South Central Los Angeles neighborhood that anchors the series.
Background & Context
The franchise launched with the 1995 cult classic *Friday* and continued with sequels in 2000 and 2002. Across the three films the series has generated more than $121 million at the box office. Cube secured a new agreement with New Line Cinema in April 2025 to write and star in the sequel.
Creative Team
The team includes Ice Cube (co-creator, writer, lead), Mike Epps (co-writer, Day-Day), co-writers Aaron McGruder and DJ Pooh, and New Line Cinema. Chris Tucker is in talks to reprise Smokey.
Timeline of Recent Milestones
- 2024: Cube publicly criticized Warner Bros. for blocking scripts.
- April 2025: New Line Cinema signed a deal with Cube.
- March 2025: Epps first teased the sequel on “The Breakfast Club.”
- January 2026: Epps described a writing room with Cube, McGruder, and Pooh on “Club Shay Shay.”
- May 2026: Entertainment Tonight confirmed development and the gentrification focus.
Official Statements & Responses
Cube and Epps said the film is “going down” and that the script, written with McGruder and Pooh, is in progress. Both noted ongoing talks with Tucker, who “wants to come back,” and that the story will address gentrification.
Criticism & Opposition
Cube has highlighted studio interference, stating Warner Bros. rejected scripts, including one where Craig and Day-Day run a dispensary and later encounter a fake rehab facility. The remarks show tension with the studio.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the start of filming: some report production will begin “later this year,” while others specify “toward the end of 2026.” No official release date has been announced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s going down. It ain’t going up. It’s going down.” — Mike Epps, Entertainment Tonight
- “We’ve been talking to him and he wants to come back,” — Mike Epps, Entertainment Tonight
- “He's one of the best. I think he's going to do it.” — Ice Cube, Entertainment Tonight
- “This movie broke so many of us as comedians. You come through the Friday University, you’re guaranteed to have a great career. Me, Kat Williams, Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker, Faison Love, Terry Crews.” — Mike Epps, Entertainment Tonight
What’s Next
Filming is expected to commence in late 2026. A live “Every Day Is Friday” show is planned for July 17 in Long Beach, featuring Scarface and Warren G.
