Ice Cube Reveals He Felt “Pushed” into Creating ‘Next Friday’

Ice Cube recently shared the backstory of how he felt “pushed” into creating ‘Next Friday,’ the sequel to the iconic 1995 film ‘Friday.’

During an appearance on the YouTube show “Mavericks with Mav Carter,” the former NWA rapper discussed his foray into acting and screenwriting, prompted by director John Singleton’s suggestion.

When asked if he ever felt pressured into something he wasn’t passionate about, Cube replied, “I was pushed into doing Next Friday, not pushed, but I always thought, ‘We did a great movie, don’t touch it.'”

He elaborated, saying, “My people were like, ‘Yo, have you thought about ever doing a part two?’ And it’s like, ‘Nah.’ [They] said, ‘You should think about it; people love the movie.’ So, I’m glad I did it because part two led to part three, led to me meeting comedic actors Mike Epps and Katt Williams, Terry Crews.”

Cube confessed that if it were solely up to him, he “probably wouldn’t have” made the 2000 film, especially considering co-star Chris Tucker’s reluctance. Tucker had no interest in participating, but Cube, already invested, found a way to keep the franchise going.

“I’m grateful that I was pushed on that. That’s fine, too. At a certain point, you gotta take the reins and buy into it and go full force,” Cube concluded.

‘Friday,’ co-written by Cube, follows the escapades of unemployed friends Craig Jones (played by Cube) and Smokey (played by Chris Tucker), who become indebted to a local Ԁrug dealer and face challenges from the neighborhood bully.

The film received positive reviews, grossing over $27 million worldwide, and has since achieved cult classic status, inspiring memes and pop-culture references.

‘Next Friday’ surpassed its predecessor at the box office, earning just under $60 million. Two additional installments, ‘Friday After Next’ in 2002 and ‘Friday: The Animated Series’ in 2007, followed. However, Tucker declined the offer to reprise his role, citing his reluctance to represent Ԁrug use.

In 2021, Tucker expressed interest in a fourth ‘Friday’ film, emphasizing his commitment to making it great. Meanwhile, Cube initiated the #FreeFriday movement, alleging that Warner Bros, who owns the film’s rights, refused to allow him to create another sequel.

Aside from his involvement in the three-on-three basketball league Big3, Cube hinted at a return to music, working on his 11th studio album ‘Man Down’ in September 2023.