The Truth About “Smokey Returns” and the Future of the Friday Franchise
Recently, social media has been buzzing with claims about a brand-new Friday movie titled “Friday On The Thirteenth: Smokey Returns”, supposedly set to premiere on HBO Max in September 2025. The viral description promised a wild mix of comedy and horror, with Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) reuniting as Uber drivers in a zombie-filled Los Angeles caused by tainted vape pens.
As entertaining as this sounds, the reality is different: there is no official confirmation of such a project. HBO Max, Warner Bros., and Ice Cube have not announced a film by that title, and all evidence points to this being a creative piece of fan fiction rather than an authentic sequel.
What Really Happened Behind the Friday Sequels
The original Friday (1995), written by Ice Cube and directed by F. Gary Gray, became an instant cult classic. It introduced audiences to Craig and Smokey, two friends navigating a day in South Central Los Angeles while trying to pay back local dealer Big Worm. The film’s grounded humor, based on Ice Cube’s real-life neighborhood experiences, resonated with audiences and spawned two sequels: Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002).
For years, fans have asked why Chris Tucker never returned as Smokey. Ice Cube recently revealed the answer:
“We were ready to pay Chris Tucker $10–12 million to do Next Friday but he turned us down for religious reasons. He didn’t want to cuss or smoke weed on camera anymore,” Ice Cube explained on social media in 2024.
Tucker’s absence was felt, but the franchise continued to thrive, with Ice Cube himself saying in 2024 that the original 1995 film remains the best one.
Where Is the Cast Now?
Many cast members went on to become household names:
Ice Cube remains a major figure in film and music, both as an actor and producer.
Chris Tucker shifted toward stand-up comedy and faith-driven projects, staying selective with his roles.
Nia Long, Regina King, and the late Bernie Mac all built celebrated careers after their Friday breakout.
The trilogy still holds a loyal fan base, with all three films streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max) and frequently climbing Netflix’s Top 10 when reintroduced to the platform.
The Status of Last Friday
The only confirmed development for the franchise is the long-rumored fourth installment, tentatively titled “Last Friday.” Ice Cube has spoken about working on the script for years, but production has faced delays. As of now, there is no official release date or confirmation of filming.
This means fans hoping to see Craig and Smokey reunited on-screen will have to keep waiting for a legitimate studio announcement.
Clearing the Smoke
So, is “Friday On The Thirteenth: Smokey Returns” real?
➡️ No. The zombie-apocalypse plot making the rounds online is a fan-created concept with no ties to Warner Bros. or Ice Cube.
What is real, however, is the enduring legacy of Friday. Thirty years later, the film still sparks laughter, nostalgia, and speculation about what could be next. Whether or not Smokey ever truly returns, the series remains one of the most beloved comedies of its era.
