As we already know, Chris Tucker doesn't work very often. 1995's "Friday" launched the comic actor's film career thanks to his hilarious turn as the pot loving Smokey, but while the film became a hit spawning two sequels — "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next" — Tucker went on to other things, mostly involving Brett Ratner. Next year will mark a decade since the last installment in the franchise, but it looks like New Line wants to take another puff.
Brewing for years, Tiny Lister (aka Deebo) once again sparked sequel talk after telling TMZ (of all people) that he's soon meeting up with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker to talk "Friday 4" saying, "This is gonna be the big one." Deadline confirm that talks are underway, with Ice Cube looking produce, star and direct. However, Mike Fleming is doubtful about Tucker returning to play Smokey, noting that in speaking with the actor years ago, he said that due to his religious beliefs, he would be uncomfortable reprising the role and also expressed that his faith would have prevented him from taking part in "Jackie Brown."
But these are different times, and with Tucker owing over $10 million to the IRS, it's no surprise he's suddenly taking work, landing a role in David O. Russell's forthcoming "The Silver Linings Playbook." He had also circled a role in "Neighborhood Watch" (that eventually went to Richard Ayoade). Morever, Tucker no longer commands $20 million paychecks to the days of him taking years off between projects are over.
Anyway, all this to say that none of the sequels have touched the original so even with Tucker back, our expectations would be minimal at best. And oh yeah, Lister also off-handedly mentions the possibility of a sequel to "The Fifth Element" but that seems unlikely at best.
