Ice Cube has shared an update on the long-awaited fourth Friday film following the death of one of its key actors.
In May, the rapper-actor-writer told ESPN’s The Jump that the screenplay for Last Friday was done and the writing team had been getting notes from the studio.
John Witherspoon, who played Mr. Jones a.k.a. Pops in the franchise, died at age 77 on October 29, 2019.
Cube has now shared an update with fans saying he’s “pissed” at the studio for not moving faster, because the script will have to be rewritten.
“Back to the drawing board since New Line Cinema was slow on green lighting the LAST FRIDAY script that was full of Mr. Jones,” he responded to a fan on Twitter earlier this week. “I’ve been pissed off about it since Spoon passed away.”
Back to the drawing board since New Line Cinema was slow on green lighting the LAST FRIDAY script that was full of Mr. Jones. I’ve been pissed off about it since Spoon passed away. https://t.co/wsWhPlIWQn
— Ice Cube (@icecube) December 23, 2019
Asked why he doesn’t just take the film to a different studio, Ice Cube said that’s not possible.
“New Line has the rights to distribute that movie,” he explained.
New Line has the rights to distribute that movie. https://t.co/V7Mj4ORIa6
— Ice Cube (@icecube) December 23, 2019
The original Friday was released in 1995. Cube produced, co-wrote and starred in the film alongside Chris Tucker.
Nia Long, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Paula Jai Parker, Angela Means, Anna Maria Horsford and the late Bernie Mac also had roles in the slacker comedy.
It was followed by the sequels Next Friday (2000), and Friday After Next (2002), with Mike Epps co-starring in the films.
Related Story: Brandon T. Jackson Says ‘Big Mommas’ Movie Ruined His Career
One of the big questions has been if Chris Tucker’s character Smokey, who was absent from the two sequels, will return for Last Friday.
Ice Cube has said in interviews the door is open and it’s up to Tucker to decide if he wants a part in the film.
