Mike Epps, known for his roles in the “Friday” sequels, has taken to social media to passionately call upon Ice Cube to revive the beloved film series. Epps shared his plea beneath a photo featuring Cube, Terry Crews, and himself from “Friday After Next,” emphasizing the need for another installment that brings back the original cast. The comedian expressed his desire to set aside financial considerations, industry status, and Hollywood dynamics, urging Cube to create cinematic history.
Support from Peers:
Epps’ suggestion resonated widely among his peers, with endorsements from notable figures such as Kιller Mike, Key Glock, and Tracy McGrady. The enthusiasm was evident, with Mike commenting, “World’ll Go Crаzy!” and McGrady expressing confidence that such a film would break records and positively impact the Black community.Ice Cube’s Previous Struggles:
While Epps awaits Cube’s response, it’s essential to note that the idea of a new “Friday” film has faced rejection in the past. In 2022, Ice Cube revealed that he submitted two scripts for a fourth installment, both of which were turned down by Warner Bros. Cube expressed frustration with the studio’s reluctance, citing issues related to the depiction of characters like Craig and Day-Day.
Challenges and Missed Opportunities:
Cube highlighted the studio’s concerns about depicting the lead characters in jail for selling weeԀ before it was legalized, only to witness later success of similar themes in other films and TV series. The script’s focus on generational conflicts in the hood, with Craig returning to resolve issues, faced similar resistance. Complicating matters, the passing of key cast members, John Witherspoon and Deebo (Tommy Lister), further hindered the project.Katt Williams’ Perspective:
The “Friday” series recently resurfaced in discussions when Katt Williams addressed alleged pay disparities in an interview with Shannon Sharpe. Williams defended Cube, emphasizing that the filmmaker faced challenges as a Black man attempting to make movies without significant budgets. Williams argued against expecting substantial paydays and acknowledged Cube’s efforts within the constraints of limited resources.Mike Epps’ impassioned plea for a new “Friday” film has reignited interest in the iconic series. Despite previous setbacks and rejection of scripts, the enthusiasm from fans and peers suggests a strong desire for the franchise’s continuation. Whether Ice Cube will respond to Epps’ call and overcome past challenges remаins uncertain, but the enduring popularity of the “Friday” series continues to captivate audiences.