Ice Cube is bringing the Friday franchise back to Southern California where the story began, after securing financial help from the state.
The long-awaited fourth movie in the franchise titled Last Friday and Michael 2 are among 35 films recently awarded incentives through the state’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Ice Cube, who will star in, write and produce the Friday film, said he’s thankful “for the opportunity to stay local.”
“I’m thrilled to produce Last Friday right here in Southern California, where our cast and crew lives,” Ice Cube said in a statement.
He added, “This story has been part of the fabric of South Los Angeles since our first film 31 years ago, so producing the film here with more than 180 local cast and crew underscores the value of the California production incentive program.”
Related: Auntie Suga Is Back: Kym Whitley Confirms ‘Friday’ Return
The announcement is good news for the state’s entertainment industry, which has struggled with job losses and declining film and TV production amid rising costs.
In August, the Los Angeles Times reported L.A.’s signature industry had shed 57,000 jobs over the last four years. More than 80 film and television production services businesses have also closed since 2022, the outlet said. Adding to the problem, in September producers confirmed American Idol is leaving the Golden State after 24 seasons and moving to Georgia.
According to the film commission, the 35 newly awarded projects are expected to generate $1.08 billion in spending across the state and employ nearly 30,000 actors, crew members and background performers.
Recipients of the tax credits include 28 independent films along with Michael 2, the follow-up to Lionsgate’s blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic.
“What makes this latest round so exciting is the mix of independent filmmaking and iconic stories that are part of California’s cultural legacy,” noted Colleen Bell, director of the California Film Commission.
Meanwhile, Newsom said the state’s expanded tax credits will bring “more productions, more good jobs, more California stories told by California workers.”
Friday fans already have at least two familiar faces to look forward to seeing on screen. Kym Whitley recently confirmed she’ll be joining Ice Cube in the new film.
In an interview with Urban Hollywood 411 while promoting her new Paramount+ series Varnell Hill, Whitley joked that she’s preparing to squeeze back into her character Auntie Suga’s revealing wardrobe.
“I told Ice Cube I’m doing my little sit-ups right now to get in one of those little outfits,” she said.
The original Friday hit theaters in 1995 and starred Ice Cube and Chris Tucker as unemployed friends Craig and Smokey in South Central L.A. It was followed by Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002.
Now, more than two decades after the last installment, the franchise is moving forward with another chapter on its home turf.
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