Los Angeles, CA – After years of anticipation and numerous teases from its star and producers, the final installment of the iconic Friday film franchise, tentatively titled Last Friday, has officially tapped Lawrence Lamont as its director. The news marks a significant step forward for the long-gestating project, which aims to bring the beloved characters of Craig Jones and Day-Day Jones back to the big screen for a conclusive chapter.
Lamont, known for his recent directorial work on the buddy comedy One of Them Days starring Keke Palmer and SZA, brings a fresh perspective to the beloved stoner comedy series. This feature film directorial debut showcased his ability to handle ensemble casts and comedic timing, qualities essential for continuing the Friday legacy. Prior to his feature film endeavors, Lamont carved out a niche in the music industry, directing numerous music videos for fellow Detroit native and rapper Big Sean, including the widely popular track "I Don’t F** With You." This background suggests a potential for dynamic visual storytelling and a keen understanding of contemporary urban culture, elements that have been hallmarks of the Friday* films.
The journey to Last Friday has been a protracted one, characterized by persistent fan demand and intermittent updates from the film’s key players. Rapper-turned-filmmaker Ice Cube, the driving force behind the franchise, has consistently expressed his commitment to bringing Last Friday to fruition. He has been instrumental in navigating the complex development process with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros.
A Long Road to the Final Friday
The seeds for Last Friday were sown years ago, with Ice Cube and co-star Mike Epps frequently hinting at the project’s progression. In a notable interview with Flavor Flav in 2024, Ice Cube indicated that discussions with Warner Bros. were progressing positively, describing them as gaining "traction." This was followed by Epps’s own pronouncement on The Breakfast Club in March 2025, where he confidently stated that the film had received a "green light."
These optimistic pronouncements were further solidified a month later when Richard Brener, head of New Line Cinema, confirmed the studio’s commitment to another Friday movie in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "We are making another Friday," Brener stated unequivocally. "We just closed a deal with Ice Cube to write and star. It’s going to be called Last Friday." This official confirmation from a studio executive provided a significant boost to the project’s momentum and reassured fans that the final chapter was indeed on the horizon.
More recently, Epps and Cube appeared on Entertainment Tonight, offering further insights into the film’s thematic direction and potential cast. They suggested that Last Friday might explore the impact of gentrification, a relevant social issue that could provide a contemporary backdrop for the characters’ misadventures. Crucially, they also expressed optimism about the potential return of Chris Tucker as the fan-favorite character Smokey, whose absence in subsequent sequels has been a frequent point of discussion among the fanbase. Tucker’s potential involvement would undoubtedly add significant star power and nostalgia to the film.
Production Details and Financial Backing
The Hollywood Reporter‘s recent report not only confirmed Lamont’s directorial appointment but also shed light on the practical aspects of the film’s production. Last Friday is slated to be filmed in Southern California, a familiar locale for the franchise, over a concentrated 40-day shooting schedule. The production is expected to involve a substantial cast of approximately 43 actors and a crew of 150 individuals, indicating a significant undertaking.
Furthermore, the production is set to benefit from California’s robust film production incentive program. The state has allocated $11.4 million to encourage the filming of Last Friday within Los Angeles, a testament to the economic benefits and job creation associated with the film industry. This financial support will likely aid in ensuring a high-quality production value for the concluding chapter of the franchise.
A Legacy of Laughter and Social Commentary
The Friday franchise, which began with the groundbreaking film released in 1995, has cemented its place in cinematic history as a cultural touchstone for a generation. The original film, written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, offered a raw, humorous, and often insightful portrayal of Black life in South Central Los Angeles. Its unique blend of comedy, relatable characters, and sharp social observations resonated deeply with audiences, leading to its enduring popularity and cult classic status.
The success of the original paved the way for two sequels: Next Friday in 2000, which saw Craig Jones relocating to the suburbs with his cousin Day-Day, and Friday After Next in 2002, a holiday-themed installment that continued their comedic escapades. While these sequels maintained the franchise’s comedic spirit, they also evolved the narrative and introduced new characters, expanding the Friday universe.
Now, nearly three decades after the initial release, fans are eager to see how Ice Cube and the creative team will bring the story of Craig, Day-Day, and potentially Smokey to a satisfying conclusion. The prospect of seeing these characters navigate the complexities of modern life, possibly through the lens of gentrification as suggested by the filmmakers, offers the potential for both continued humor and relevant social commentary, a balance that the franchise has historically struck so effectively. The nearly 25-year gap since the last installment provides ample opportunity for narrative development and character evolution, raising anticipation for what new challenges and comedic situations await the beloved trio. The anticipation surrounding Last Friday underscores the lasting impact of the franchise and its ability to connect with audiences across different generations.
