The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved comedy franchise 'Last Friday' is finally in the works, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Ice Cube, the iconic star of the series, has confirmed his return, reprising his role as Craig Jones and also penning the screenplay. This marks a significant moment for the franchise, as the fourth installment was officially announced by New Line Cinema for a 2025 release, ending years of development hell. Cube's involvement is a major draw for fans, as he has been a central figure in the series since its inception.
Mike Epps, another beloved member of the 'Friday' family, has also confirmed his participation. Epps, who played Day-Day Jones in the 2000s installments, will be back to continue the hilarious antics. The dynamic duo of Cube and Epps has not only entertained audiences in the 'Friday' franchise but also collaborated outside of it, appearing together in films like 'All About the Benjamins' and 'Janky Promoters'.
One of the most exciting updates is the potential return of Chris Tucker as Smokey. Tucker's performance in the first 'Last Friday' was a breakthrough, leading to iconic roles in films like 'The Fifth Element' and the 'Rush Hour' franchise. While his deal is not yet finalized, Epps expressed confidence that Tucker wants to return, which would be a dream come true for fans.
The potential cast keeps getting better. Don Curry and Clifton Powell, who played Uncle Elroy and Pinky in the last two installments, are likely to return. Additionally, the first film's key characters, such as Nia Long as Debbie and Regina King as Dana, could make a comeback. The sequel might also bring back characters from 'Friday After Next', including Katt Williams' Money Mike and Terry Crews' Damon Pearly.
However, the franchise faces some losses. John Witherspoon, who played Willie Jones, Craig's father, passed away in 2019, and Tiny Lister, the franchise's main villain Deebo, also passed away. The loss of these beloved characters is a significant blow to the series. Additionally, supporting cast members like A.J. Johnson and Bernie Mac from the original film, and Justin Pierce from the sequel, have also passed away, leaving a void that cannot be easily filled.
Despite these losses, the return of the main cast and the potential for new hilarious scenarios make 'Last Friday 4' a highly anticipated event. Fans are eager to see the beloved characters back on screen, and the addition of Ice Cube and Mike Epps as writers promises a fresh and funny take on the franchise. As the production begins later this year, the excitement is palpable, and the comedy world is eagerly awaiting the next chapter of 'Last Friday'.
