After nine years in development, Last Friday is finally happening at New Line Cinema.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lawrence Lamont has been tapped to direct Last Friday, the first installment of the buddy comedy movie franchise in 25 years.
Lamont first gained recognition directing music videos for artists like Big Sean, Snoop Dogg, and Nas, before making his directorial debut last year with One of Them Days. As THR notes, that movie had some thematic crossover with Friday, as it too was a buddy comedy set in a glamorous part of L.A., just centered on two female friends.
Ice Cube, who co-created the movie series, is writing the script and producing, and will also star in the feature, reprising his role as slacker Craig Jones. Chris Tucker is also in talks to return as small-time drug dealer Smokey.
The first Friday was directed by F. Gary Gray and released in 1995. It followed Craig Jones and Smokey as they faced increasing problems with jobs, girlfriends, exes, family, death threats, all in the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The movie became a cult hit, spawning two immediate sequels — Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002 — as well as an animated series.
Last Friday will center around gentrification and community preservation in South Central. It will be shot in Southern California as part of the California production incentive program. New Line received $11.4 million to shoot the comedy sequel in state, with a 40-day production window expected.
A release date for Last Friday has not been set yet. We’ll keep you posted.
Are you a fan of the Friday movies? Are you excited for one more sequel in the franchise?
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