Mike Epps Confirms Last Friday Is Finally Happening — and the Deal Is Done

After years of speculation, false starts, and unanswered questions, Mike Epps has officially confirmed that Last Friday, the long-awaited final installment in the beloved Friday franchise, is no longer a rumor — it’s real.

The comedian broke the news during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, revealing that Ice Cube has finalized the deal, clearing the way for the fourth and final chapter of the iconic comedy series.

“Ice Cube called me the other day and said we just finished the deal,” Epps said. “So, we doin’ the last Friday, man.”

For fans who have been waiting more than two decades since Friday After Next hit theaters in 2002, the announcement marks a major moment — and possibly the closing of one of hip-hop cinema’s most influential franchises.

A Franchise Built on Opportunity and Legacy

Epps, who portrayed the scene-stealing Day-Day Jones in Next Friday and Friday After Next, took a moment to credit Ice Cube not only as a creator, but as a cultural gatekeeper who helped launch multiple careers.

“That’s another brother that’s put so many brothers on, man,” Epps said. “He put me, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac — name ’em. And he don’t really get the props for it.”

The Friday franchise has long been celebrated for its humor, authenticity, and ability to spotlight Black comedic talent, turning relatively unknown performers into household names.

The Script Is in the Works — With Top-Tier Talent

Although Epps admitted he hasn’t yet read the completed script, confidence is clearly not lacking.

“But I’m pretty sure it’s good,” he joked.

What’s more concrete is who is helping shape the story. Epps confirmed that Aaron McGruder, the creator of The Boondocks and Black Jesus, has joined the Last Friday writers’ room — alongside Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, and Epps himself.

“Me, Ice Cube, Aaron McGruder and DJ Pooh were just together sitting in a room writing this movie,” Epps said. “The movie is going to be crazy.”

McGruder’s involvement immediately sparked excitement, a sentiment echoed by Breakfast Club host Charlamagne tha God.

“When you say Aaron McGruder, you excite the whole damn internet,” Charlamagne said. “He’s a genius. That’s something special.”

Epps agreed, calling McGruder’s pen “top tier” and suggesting the film will push the franchise into a sharper, fresher, and even funnier direction, while still honoring its roots.

Old Faces, New Comics — and the Smokey Question

Epps revealed that Last Friday will likely feature a mix of legacy characters (“the OGs”) and new-generation comedians, name-dropping D.C. Young Fly as one of the rising stars expected to join the cast.

But the biggest unanswered question remains: Will Chris Tucker return as Smokey?

Tucker famously exited the franchise after the original Friday due to religious reasons, but Epps hasn’t given up hope.

“People still love Chris Tucker. He’s still Smokey,” Epps said. “Chris, if you’re listening, we need you, baby boy. Come on back.”

While nothing has been confirmed, Tucker himself left the door open during a March 2024 interview with Atlanta’s V-103.

“It has to come back right,” Tucker said. “At this point, I’m only doing stuff I know I can do my best at — and have a lot of fun.”

Honoring the Past, Facing the Urgency

Discussions about Last Friday have intensified in recent years, particularly following the death of John Witherspoon in 2019, whose portrayal of Willie Jones remains one of the franchise’s most beloved elements.

Comedian Katt Williams, who confirmed he will reprise his role as Money Mike, previously stressed the urgency of completing the film.

“We lost some great people before Friday 4 could come out,” Williams said. “We miss John Witherspoon in a way that can’t really be quantified.”

Williams also revealed that Ice Cube had even asked him to contribute to the writing process — a claim that sparked public debate during his viral Club Shay Shay interview.

Expect Improvisation — and Even Bigger Laughs

Fans can also expect Epps to bring his signature improvisational energy to the film.

“They can write some stuff on the paper,” he said, “but I’m going to say some stuff funnier than what you put on the paper.”

Epps confidently promised that Last Friday will outdeliver every previous installment in terms of laughs — a bold claim considering the franchise’s legendary status.

What Comes Next?

There is no confirmed production start date yet, but according to Epps, the most important step has already been taken.

“The deal is done.”

With Ice Cube, Aaron McGruder, DJ Pooh, and Mike Epps actively developing the script, Last Friday is no longer a question of if — but when.

For fans of the franchise, it may finally be time to get ready to say goodbye — one last laugh at a time.