Ice Cube’s ‘Last Friday’ Movie Finally Moves Forward With Director Lawrence Lamont
Ice Cube’s long-awaited Friday sequel is officially gaining momentum as Lawrence Lamont, the filmmaker behind the hit comedy One of Them Days, has been selected to direct the fourth installment of the legendary franchise.
After more than two decades of anticipation, Ice Cube is bringing his iconic Friday franchise one step closer to the big screen. New Line Cinema has tapped director Lawrence Lamont to helm Last Friday, marking a major development for a project that has faced years of delays.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ice Cube has written the screenplay and will return to star and produce alongside Bob Teitel and CubeVision's Michael Gruber.
Lawrence Lamont Brings a Fresh Vision to Friday
Lamont recently made waves in Hollywood with his feature directorial debut, One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA.
The comedy became a box-office success, generating more than $51 million worldwide against a reported $14 million production budget.
The movie's combination of neighborhood humor, friendship, and everyday struggles drew comparisons to the original Friday, making Lamont an intriguing choice to lead the franchise into a new era.
Before finding success in Hollywood, Lamont established himself in the music industry, directing videos for artists including Big Sean, J. Cole, and Nas.
His background in hip-hop culture and visual storytelling could help preserve the authenticity that made Friday a cultural phenomenon.
Ice Cube’s Friday Franchise Returns After More Than 20 Years
The original Friday, released in 1995, introduced audiences to Craig Jones, played by Ice Cube, and Smokey, portrayed by Chris Tucker.
The film became a cultural classic, generating memorable characters, unforgettable comedy, and countless references that continue to influence hip-hop and entertainment.
Its success led to two sequels:
Next Friday (2000)
Friday After Next (2002)
Despite the franchise's lasting popularity, fans have waited more than two decades for another installment.
With Lamont now attached to direct, Last Friday is taking another significant step toward production.
Will Chris Tucker and Mike Epps Return?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Last Friday is whether familiar characters will reunite on screen.
Fans have been particularly interested in seeing Chris Tucker reprise his role as Smokey, a character who became a defining part of the original movie.
Mike Epps, who portrayed Craig's cousin Day-Day in the sequels, is another major name associated with the franchise.
Although discussions about returning cast members have generated excitement, their participation has not been officially confirmed through the latest director announcement.
What’s Next for Last Friday?
Production is being planned for Southern California, with the project receiving approximately $11.4 million in California film tax incentives.
The planned shoot represents another indication that New Line Cinema is committed to bringing the franchise back.
An official theatrical release date has not yet been announced.
For Ice Cube, Last Friday represents more than another comedy sequel. It is an opportunity to revisit a franchise that helped define an era of Black cinema while introducing its characters and humor to a new generation.
With Lawrence Lamont behind the camera and Ice Cube leading the creative direction, the upcoming movie has the potential to connect classic hip-hop culture with contemporary comedy.
Spate Media Take: The selection of Lawrence Lamont could be exactly what the Friday franchise needs. His success with One of Them Days demonstrates an ability to capture relatable neighborhood comedy while appealing to younger audiences. The challenge will be honoring the original films without relying entirely on nostalgia.
Would you like to see Chris Tucker return as Smokey in Last Friday?
Stay connected with Spate Media for more hip-hop, film, and entertainment news.
Get more entertainment news here.