New Line has tapped Lawrence Lamont to direct Last Friday, the first Friday installment in 25 years, with Ice Cube writing, producing, and starring.

The film will again be set in South Central Los Angeles and shot in Southern California, backed by $11.4 million in state funding under the California production incentive program.

Production plans call for about 40 filming days, a cast of 43 and a crew of 150, with Jeff Kwatinetz serving as executive producer.

Some comments from Jackson Jr. are playful teases rather than firm casting confirmations, and details may still change as the project develops.

While no plot specifics or release date are announced, the director’s casting choice signals momentum toward production.

Full cast, storyline, and exact release date have not been disclosed yet, keeping these elements as topics for future announcements.

The report cites The Hollywood Reporter and Variety to frame the announcement and context for the project.

Talks about the film have circulated for years, with past statements suggesting the project would tackle gentrification and move forward under Warner Bros. and then New Line Cinema.

Rumors about Tucker’s pay and return circulated, but Tucker and Ice Cube have pushed back against these claims.

Casting remains a central question, with Mike Epps potentially returning as Day-Day and Chris Tucker’s involvement as Smokey unconfirmed.

Chris Tucker’s return as Smokey is not confirmed, though discussions have occurred and are separate from the director announcement.

Ice Cube is on set in a leading role, with Tucker’s status as Smokey still unclear.