Ice Cube is bringing the Friday franchise back into the spotlight, and a new director is ready to help carry its legacy into the next generation. Lawrence Lamont, the filmmaker behind One of Them Days, has been tapped to direct Last Friday, the long-awaited fourth installment of the beloved comedy series. The announcement marks a major step forward for a project fans have been waiting years to see come together.
The original Friday, released in 1995, became a cultural landmark by turning an ordinary day in South Central Los Angeles into a hilarious story filled with unforgettable characters, neighborhood drama, and quotable moments. Ice Cube starred as Craig Jones alongside Chris Tucker as Smokey, creating a duo whose chemistry helped make the film a hip-hop classic. The franchise continued with Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002, but another sequel remained out of reach for more than two decades.
Now, Lamont has the opportunity to bring that world back to life. His recent work on One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, demonstrated his ability to deliver comedy grounded in friendship, everyday struggles, and the unpredictable energy of life in Los Angeles. Those qualities make him a natural fit for a franchise built around neighborhood relationships and the chaos that can unfold over a single day.
Ice Cube will write, produce, and star in Last Friday, with Bob Teitel and Michael Gruber also producing. The film is expected to shoot in Southern California, keeping the production connected to the region that helped define the original movie’s identity. Plot details and the complete returning cast have yet to be officially confirmed.
For hip-hop fans, Friday has always been more than a comedy. Its influence reaches into rap lyrics, internet culture, fashion, and the everyday language of generations of viewers. The film helped establish Ice Cube as a force beyond music, showcasing his talent for storytelling and character-driven humor.
Lamont’s appointment signals that the franchise is moving toward a new chapter while keeping its creative foundation intact. With Cube back at the center of the story, anticipation is building for the return of one of hip-hop culture’s most beloved movie worlds.
After years of delays, Last Friday is finally gaining momentum. The big question now is whether Craig Jones and his crew can deliver another classic moment for a new generation.
