Nia Long may be gearing up for a return trip to the neighborhood that was part of her early launch of career.
While speaking with Variety ahead of her upcoming Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Long teased that the Friday franchise could be bringing her back into the fold. Discussing her comedic roots and the most quoted line from the original film, “Bye Felicia,” Long gave an update on the installment that is on the way, saying her former co-star Ice Cube is “about to send us all a new script” for what’s being described as the fourth film in the series. She stopped short of confirming she’s formally attached, but the comment suggests she expects to be part of it.
Long’s history with the franchise runs back to where it all started. In the original Friday, released in 1995 and directed by F. Gary Gray, Long played Debbie, the girl Craig Jones (Ice Cube) was feeling and also the best friend of Craig’s sister, Dana, played by Regina King. And she was notably one of the few characters willing to stand up to neighborhood bully Deebo. The role continued a run of breakout parts for Long following her earlier collaboration with Ice Cube in John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood.
Long isn’t the only original cast member signaling a return. Kym Whitley, who played Auntie Suga in Next Friday, has already confirmed her involvement, telling TMZ earlier this month that Ice Cube told her to “start doing sit-ups” for the role.
The fourth film, titled Last Friday, is officially confirmed. Ice Cube and Mike Epps have said a deal is signed, with an active writers’ room that includes Cube, Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder, and original Friday co-writer DJ Pooh. Production is expected to begin later this year. Chris Tucker, who exited the franchise after the first film, is reportedly in talks to return as Smokey. “We’ve been talking to him and he wants to come back,” Epps said, with Cube adding, “He’s one of the best. I think he’s going to do it.”
Plot specifics are being kept under wraps, but Craig and Day-Day are confirmed to return, with the story centering on the gentrification of their neighborhood. Ice Cube has said he’s pushing for an April 2027 release.
The original Friday helped launch or elevate the careers of Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, and others, and the trilogy has grossed more than $121 million at the box office across its three films.