Ice Cube Reveals Why Chris Tucker Declined Starring in ‘Next Friday’

Ice Cube, renowned rapper-turned-movie executive, recently shed light on why Chris Tucker opted not to reprise his role as Smokey in the “Friday” movie franchise, despite being offered a substantial eight-figure sum for the movie’s remake.

Ice Cube, a founding member of NWA, made a significant shift from music to film with his acting debut in “Boyz in the Hood” (1991) and later as a showrunner on the 1995 Һit “Friday,” directed by F. Gary Gray. The success of the film, grossing over $27 million at the box office in 28 years, marked a turning point in Cube’s Hollywood career.

However, the professional relationship between Cube and Tucker took a Һit due to Tucker’s deepening commitment to his Christian faith. Between 1995 and 2000, Tucker became a devout Christian, leading him to avoid on-screen activities that could be deemed inappropriate.

Cube addressed Tucker’s departure from the franchise, revealing that despite a lucrative offer of $12 million for the “Next Friday” sequel, Tucker declined for religious reasons. He expressed Tucker’s stance, saying, “He said it was for religious reasons. He didn’t wanna cuss and he didn’t wanna smoke weeԀ on camera.”

Tucker, in discussing his career choices, mentioned his desire for more meaningful roles and a broader perspective gained through humanitarian work and global travel. Despite turning down Cube’s offer, Tucker went on to star in significant projects, including the immensely successful “Rush Hour” trilogy, for which he reportedly received $60 million.

The actor’s journey involved a brief withdrawal from the entertainment scene, facing financial challenges related to unpaid taxes. Despite legal and financial setbacks, Tucker, with an estimated net worth of $5 million, made choices aligned with his values. In 2023, he returned to the big screen with a role in Ben Affleck’s “Air” and is gearing up for the highly anticipated “Rush Hour 4.”

Chris Tucker’s life choices, including embracing his faith and pursuing meaningful roles, showcase a trajectory that aligns with his personal values and professional aspirations.