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Friday
Official franchise logo
Written byCharacters created
by Ice Cube & DJ Pooh
Starring
Release date
1995–present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$24.5 million
Box office$121.5 million

The Friday franchise consists of American stoner buddy-comedies created by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh; including three theatrical films and one animated spin-off TV series.[1] The series takes place in South Central Los Angeles and follows the exploits of perpetually unemployed Craig Jones, who, along with his friends and relatives, is thrust into various issues that happen to occur on a Friday.

Three films have been released. The first film, Friday (1995), was a sleeper hit and has garnered a large cult following. The film's success led to two sequels, Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002), which were also box office successes. A short-lived animated series based on the films debuted in 2007 on MTV2 and lasted 8 episodes.

Films

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer(s)
Friday April 26, 1995 (1995-04-26) F. Gary Gray Ice Cube & DJ Pooh Patricia Charbonnet
Next Friday January 12, 2000 (2000-01-12) Steve Carr Ice Cube Ice Cube
Friday After Next November 22, 2002 (2002-11-22) Marcus Raboy Ice Cube and Matt Alvarez
Last Friday TBA TBA Ice Cube & DJ Pooh Ice Cube TBA

Friday (1995)

Main article: Friday (1995 film)

The film takes a look at one single Friday in the life of two friends, Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker), in South Central LA. Craig has recently been fired from his job while attempting to collect his wages, as he was allegedly caught on camera stealing cardboard boxes from UPS, although he claims innocence. Throughout the day, friends and local neighborhood characters pass through, including the hulking neighborhood bully Deebo (Tommy Lister Jr.) and interactions with Craig's father Willie (John Witherspoon), his mother Betty (Anna Maria Horsford), and sister Dana (Regina King). The film's subplot focuses on drug dealer Big Worm (Faizon Love), who warns Craig and Smokey to collect $200 worth of marijuana they smoked (which was supposed to be sold) no later than 10:00 that evening, or Craig and Smokey will be killed.

In the end, Craig manages to overcome all of the day's tribulations, save for finding employment; he and Smokey are able to pay Big Worm, he confronts Deebo and successfully beats him after all of his bullying to everyone else, and he and his pretty neighbor Debbie (Nia Long) hook up.

Next Friday (2000)

Main article: Next Friday

Next Friday is a 2000 stoner comedy film, and the sequel to the 1995 film Friday. This is the first film to be produced by Ice Cube's film production company Cube Vision. The film is directed by Steve Carr, and stars Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Don Curry, John Witherspoon, and Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr.

In the sequel, Deebo has sworn revenge against Craig for beating him up and putting him in jail for four years. He is joined by his little brother Tyrone (Sticky Fingaz) whom he escaped jail with. Craig's father, Willie decides to send him up to Rancho Cucamonga and live with his uncle's family until Deebo is back in jail. It's there, he learns about the financial problems that his cousin Day-Day (Mike Epps) and his father Elroy (Don Curry) face. He is also informed by their Korean neighbor, Mrs. Ho-Kim (Amy Hill) with the problems of Karla's older brothers: Joker (Jacob Vargas), Lil' Joker (Lobo Sebastian) and Baby Joker (Rolando Molina). When Craig learns about the drug money hidden in a pipe kept in Joker's room, Craig conspires with Day-Day and Roach to steal it so they can use the money to pay off the debts.

Friday After Next (2002)

Main article: Friday After Next

One year has passed since the events of the last film. At 3:37 AM on Christmas Eve, Craig and Day-Day are robbed by a fake Santa Claus (Rickey Smiley) as he stole their presents, Craig's CD collection, Day-Day's baby pictures, and a big sandwich. Craig and Day-Day get jobs as rent-a-cops in a strip mall where Willie and Elroy opened up a rib joint called "Bros. BBQ". They owe rent to their apartment landlady Ms. Pearly (BeBe Drake) who threatens the two with the attentions of her burly gay ex-con son Damon Pearly (Terry Crews). Craig is in love with Donna (K.D. Aubert), the girlfriend of a pimp named Money Mike (Katt Williams) who treats her poorly. Craig and Day-Day throw a rent party to get the money for Ms. Pearly while also subduing the fake Santa Claus.

Last Friday (TBA)

According to John Witherspoon, the fourth installment of the series has been greenlit as of April 2017.[2] DJ Pooh reveals in an interview on Drink Champs that he's working on Last Friday with Ice Cube.[3] As of April 2018, Ice Cube stated "Right now we're still writing the movie, making sure that's ahead of the curve and not behind the curve. But I believe we'll start shooting, hopefully by the end of this year."[4] In May 2018, Mike Epps posted a video and image on Instagram with Ice Cube, teasing fans, and they assumed that the film is in production.[5]

On April 29, 2019, Ice Cube stated that the script has been completed, and hopes for it to be released on the 25th anniversary of the original film, which was in 2020. "We are pushing for it, we finished the script, we are getting notes from the studio and it's going back and forth," Cube said. "Get into pre-production and start hiring. It would be nice for this to come out on the 25th anniversary."[6] On June 21, 2019, Ice Cube stated that the movie is coming and he's currently doing a rewrite with DJ Pooh.[7] Four months later, on October 29, 2019, John Witherspoon died, which leaves the fate of his character unknown.[8] On November 14, 2019, Ice Cube blamed New Line Cinema for not committing to getting the film made while Witherspoon was alive.[9] Ever since Witherspoon's death, Ice Cube stated that the film was currently on hold although he hopes to get it back on track in the near future.[10]

On December 19, 2020, in the wake of Tommy Lister Jr.'s death, Angela Means claimed on a podcast that the project was cancelled. Ice Cube criticized Warner Bros. for not continuing the franchise, and New Line Cinema for not devoting themselves to the film's production stating "You let our legends die".[11] A day later, on December 20, Clifton Powell expressed hope that the film would still be in production and that it will include a tribute to John Witherspoon and Tommy Lister Jr.[12]

On May 7, 2021, Ice Cube opened up about two potential scripts he had written for the film. The first one would have focused on Craig and Day-Day trying to survive in prison after having their Cannabis Dispensary stolen by a Flash mob. They both would have then found themselves in a Rehabilitation hospital run by Smokey. Cube did not give any precise details on the second script, although, he stated it would have focused around a love story.[13]

On October 1, 2022, in an episode with Drink Champs, Ice Cube revealed Warner Bros., who owns the distribution rights of the film series, had rejected the scripts, citing creative differences, and while Tucker previously stated he is not committed to return for the film, Ice Cube is still in good relations with Tucker, with the latter to reprise his role as Smokey uncertain.[14][15]

On June 22, 2024, on Flavor Flav's show “Flavor of the Week”, Ice Cube announced Last Friday is in the works at Warner Bros stating that they finally got some tractions.[16]

Television

Friday: The Animated Series (2007)
Friday
GenreAnimated Comedy
Created byIce Cube
Based onFriday
by Ice Cube
DJ Pooh
Developed byJay Dyer
Presented byNew Line Television
Voices ofKhary Payton
Phil LaMarr
John DiMaggio
Cree Summer
Masasa Moyo
Beth Payne
Kevin Michael Richardson
Reno Wilson
Chris Edgerly
ComposerJared Faber
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producersIce Cube
Matt Alvarez
Jay Dyer
Tony DiSanto
Lori Huck
ProducersJim Rosenthal
Chris Linn
John Hayes
Running time18-22 minutes
(Not including commercials)
Production companiesNew Line Television
Cube Vision
MTV Animation
Original release
NetworkMTV2
ReleaseJune 24 (2007-06-24) –
July 8, 2007 (2007-07-08)

An animated series titled Friday: The Animated Series aired on MTV2 in 2007.

Just like the original films' setting, the series takes place in a modern South Central Los Angeles. Most of the characters from the films are in the series, but they are not voiced by their respective actors. However, they are voiced by veteran voice actors. Ice Cube, who played Craig Jones in the films, served as the series' executive producer. Khary Payton served as Jones' voice actor.

Image Entertainment released the complete series on DVD in Region 1 on December 8, 2009.[17]

Voice cast

Crew

Episodes

No.TitleOriginal air date
1"Hardly Working"June 24, 2007 (2007-06-24)
Willie kicks Craig out of the house until he gets a job. He is unable to find one and sleeps on the streets where he is arrested for the kidnapping of a white girl.
2"Notorious T.R.E.E."June 26, 2007 (2007-06-26)
Craig and Smokey see the image of a legendary slain rapper in a tree knot and it becomes a neighborhood shrine. But once money gets involved, the guys start a hip-hop feud of their own.
3"Go With the Flow"June 28, 2007 (2007-06-28)
Old pipes cause a massive flood in the neighborhood, forcing everyone to flee to the safety of the R. Kelly Youth Center where Willie enlists Deebo to help keep the peace. Craig and Smokey look for help, but instead find a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of city government as the Mayor won't lend aid to the trapped people. So they use a local news anchor to publicly expose the problems with the help of their neighbors and Deebo. The Mayor, having seen the news and fearing repercussions from the governor in not helping his city, decides to pull the lever and drain the flood while firing a City Hall janitor that he makes his scapegoat.
4"Experience the Happy"June 30, 2007 (2007-06-30)
Craig and Willie join the big brother program and are forced to mentor Smokey and Deebo as their "little brothers". When Deebo begins to go soft, the neighborhood starts to fall apart and Craig is needed to teach Deebo what it means to be a neighborhood bully. Meanwhile, Smokey gets Willie in trouble when he sneaks in some marijuana hidden in a bud brownie.
5"When Craig Met Condi"July 2, 2007 (2007-07-02)
Craig has a fling with Condoleezza Rice when she flees the pressure of her office and hides out in the hood. Later, Craig finds out that breaking up with the most powerful woman in the world is hard to do.
6"The Spirit of 420"July 4, 2007 (2007-07-04)
Smokey wants to celebrate his and Craig's favorite holiday, April 20th. Only problem is that Craig got a job working for his Uncle Elroy (whom Willie obviously can't stand) at his successful BBQ restaurant and doesn't want to celebrate anymore. After being disgraced, Smokey is shown his past, present, and future in a parody of A Christmas Carol from his future self in order to save Craig from a miserable, unhappy marriage with his gold-digger wife in Rancho Cucamonga. When Smokey comes to and after stopping Ezal from stealing his pants, he tricks Willie into thinking that Elroy bragged about his humiliating endeavors in front of his customers at Bros' BBQ, which leads to a confrontation between the two brothers. Humiliated by both his father's and uncle's behavior, Craig quits his job leaving them to clean up their mess and returns home to celebrate his favorite holiday with Smokey.
7"Great Moments in Black History"July 6, 2007 (2007-07-06)
Willie is determined to teach Craig and Smokey about some of the little known moments in black history.
8"Uncle Craig's Cabin'"July 8, 2007 (2007-07-08)
In the series finale, Craig and Smokey agree to take over Willie's dog-catching route for a day to try and catch the famed El Diablo. They wind up instead, picking strawberries with immigrants. When Craig and Smokey return from the farm to finish the job, they find El Diablo. In the truck, they discover that El Diablo is a mother trying to raise her pups. Craig and Smokey decide to let her go and give Willie a replacement dog who looks like Diablo herself.

Cast and characters

List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in the franchise.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  A indicates an appearance through archival footage or audio.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
  •  Y indicates a younger version of the character.
Characters Films Television
Friday Next Friday Friday After Next Friday: The Animated Series
Principal characters
Craig Jones Ice Cube Khary PaytonV
Cree SummerYV
Mr. William "Willie" Jones John Witherspoon John DiMaggioV
Deebo Tommy Lister Jr. Kevin Michael RichardsonV
Clarence "Smokey" Chris Tucker Chris TuckerA Phil LaMarrV
Daymond "Day-Day" Jones Mike Epps
Supporting characters
Stanley Ronn Riser Phil LaMarr
Debbie Nia Long
Mrs. Betty Jones Anna Maria Horsford Anna Maria HorsfordA Anna Maria Horsford Cree SummerV
Dana Jones Regina King
Big Worm Faizon Love Faizon LoveA
Pastor Clever Bernie Mac
Red DJ Pooh DJ PoohA
Mrs. Parker Kathleen Bradley
Mr. Parker Tony Cox Tony CoxA
Joann Vickilyn Reynolds Vickilyn ReynoldsA Phil LaMarrV
Ezal Anthony Johnson Anthony JohnsonA Reno WilsonV
Joi Paula Jai Parker
Felisha Parker Angela Means
Hector Demetrius Navarro
Lil Chris Jason Bose Smith
Uncle Elroy Jones Don "D.C." Curry Phil LaMarrV
Pinky Clifton Powell Phil LaMarrV
Joker Jacob Vargas
Karla Lisa Rodriguez
Roach Justin Pierce
Tyrone Kirk Jones
Auntie Suga Kym Whitley
Lil Joker Lobo Sebastian Silent cameo
Baby Joker Rolando Molina
D'wana Tamala Jones
Baby D' Robin Allen
Money Mike Katt Williams
Donna K.D. Aubert
Damon Pearly Terry Crews
Mrs. Pearly Bebe Drake
Robber Santa Claus Rickey Smiley Silent cameo
Moly Maz Jobrani
Officer Brian Dix Reggie Gaskins
Officer Alvin Hole Joel McKinnon Miller
Big Mary Masasa MoyoV

Additional production and crew details

Film Crew/Detail
Composer(s) Cinematographer Editor Production
companies 		Distributing
company 		Running time
Friday Frank Fitzpatrick & Hidden Faces Gerry Lively John Carter New Line Productions,
Cube Vision 		New Line Cinema 1 hr 31 mins
Next Friday Terence Blanchard Christopher J. Baffa Elena Maganini New Line Cinema,
Cube Vision 		1 hr 38 mins
Friday After Next John Murphy Glen MacPherson Suzanne Hines New Line Cinema,
Cube Vision,
Avery Pix 		1 hr 25 mins
Friday: The Animated Series Jared Faber Directors of animation:
Kevin Lofton & Jim Manocchio 		David Burger New Line Television,
Cube Vision,
MTV Animation 		MTV2 2 hrs 38 mins

References

  1. ^ James, Caryn (April 26, 1995). "FILM REVIEW; Replacing Rap's Anger With a Sense of Humor". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  2. ^ Bitette, Nicole (April 21, 2017). "Ice Cube reportedly working on a new 'Friday' movie, co-star John Witherspoon says". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  3. ^ Paine, Jake (April 27, 2017). "DJ Pooh Confirms "Last Friday" Is Happening. He Also Defends Chris Tucker's Exit". AFH. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  4. ^ Nadkarni, Rohan (April 23, 2018). "Ice Cube Q&A: The Big3 Is Back for a 'Prove It' Year". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  5. ^ Howard, Jacinta (May 3, 2018). "Ice Cube & Mike Epps Back on Set Filming New 'Friday' Movie". The Boombox. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  6. ^ Galbraith, Alex (May 4, 2019). "Ice Cube Hopes to Release 'Last Friday' on the Original Film's 25th Anniversary". Complex. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  7. ^ Walters, Mike (June 21, 2019). "Ice Cube Says New 'Friday' Movie Is On the Way!". Blast. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Bennett, Anita (October 30, 2019). "John Witherspoon Dies: Comedian & 'Friday' Star Was 77". Archived from the original on October 30, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  9. ^ Dick, Jeremy (November 14, 2019). "Ice Cube Blames New Line for No 'Friday 4,' Apologizes to John Witherspoon at Funeral". Movieweb. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  10. ^ McCarter, Reid (May 18, 2020). "Friday 4: Ice Cube Reveals The Sad Reason Why It Wasn't Made". Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  11. ^ Kemp, Dylan (February 27, 2021). "Ice Cube Says Warner Bros Won't Make More 'Friday' Sequels". The Source. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021.
  12. ^ "Clifton Powell Wants to Do 'Friday 4' in Honor Pops and Deebo". Movieweb. 2020-12-20. Archived from the original on 2023-09-02. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
  13. ^ "Ice Cube Reveals 'Last Friday' Plot Idea and the Status of the Movie". 8 May 2021. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  14. ^ "Ice Cube Says Warner Bros. Rejected Two Friday Sequel Scripts: "They F-cked It Up"". comicbook.com. Archived from the original on 2023-09-02. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  15. ^ Ice Cube, Fat Joe, LL Cool J & Others On Rock The Bells, The Legacy Of Hip Hop & More | Drink Champs, archived from the original on 2023-09-02, retrieved 2022-10-06
  16. ^ Callas, Brad. "Ice Cube Says 'Last Friday' Is in Development at Warner Bros.: 'Finally Got Some Traction'". Complex. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  17. ^ DVD info[permanent dead link‍] at Image-Entertainment.com
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