Mike Epps says “Last Friday” might be the best one yet, teases Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, and Aaron McGruder script on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast [VIDEO]
On “7PM in Brooklyn,” Mike Epps hypes the long-awaited Last Friday movie, promising legendary laughs while honoring fallen castmates and revealing the franchise’s bold new creative team.
Mike Epps is stirring up excitement for one of comedy’s most anticipated sequels. Appearing on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, the actor and comedian dropped new details about Last Friday — the long-awaited fourth and final film in Ice Cube’s legendary Friday franchise.
In a two-minute clip posted to X on November 17, Epps told Melo and co-hosts The Kid Mero and Kazeem Famuyide that this new entry “might be the best one.” The clip, shared by the show’s official account @7PMinBrooklyn, quickly gained traction across social platforms, with fans praising the blend of nostalgia and humor that defined the exchange.
Epps, who first joined the series as the chaotic but lovable Day-Day in Next Friday (2000), spoke candidly about returning to the role that made him a household name — and about the powerful creative team behind the upcoming film.
The Big Reveal: Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, and Aaron McGruder Join Forces
“The script is crazy,” Epps told Melo, revealing that Last Friday is being written by Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, and Aaron McGruder, the acclaimed creator of The Boondocks.
“Me, Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, and Aaron McGruder was just in a room last week writing,” Epps said with a grin. “This might be the best one.”
That line alone set off a social media frenzy. Fans immediately recognized McGruder’s name, connecting his sharp satirical voice with Friday’s street-smart humor. Many said the collaboration could rejuvenate the franchise, balancing Cube’s raw authenticity, Pooh’s comedic structure, and McGruder’s fearless wit.
One X user wrote, “Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, Aaron McGruder, Mike Epps WRITING?! That’s all I need to know. This is about to be legendary.” Another added, “Aaron made The Boondocks — oh yeah, this gone be funny as hell.”
Remembering the Legends: Witherspoon, Lister, Bernie Mac, and More
Epps’ enthusiasm came with a note of reflection. While he celebrated the creative energy behind Last Friday, he also took time to honor the cast members who helped make the series iconic — many of whom have since passed.
“Of course, some of us ain’t here,” he said solemnly. “Big Deebo, John Witherspoon, Bernie Mac — rest in peace to all them brothers. Them dudes were franchise favorites.”
Clips of Witherspoon as Pops and Lister as Deebo flashed across the video as Epps spoke, his tone shifting from laughter to reverence. The moment struck a chord online, with fans echoing tributes in the replies. One comment read, “RIP to Anthony Johnson too, Ezell was a legend.”
It was a reminder that Last Friday isn’t just another sequel. Additionally, it’s a generational sendoff to a cast that helped define 2000s Black comedy.
“Day-Day Is Bringing It”: Epps on Pressure and Pride
At one point in the interview, Epps lit up the studio describing his mindset going into the new film:
“Anybody that’s in that Friday movie — they better bring it, because Day-Day is bringing it,” he said with his trademark smirk. “I’m not gonna fool on that mother.”
The hosts laughed, and Melo nodded, egging him on. That unfiltered bravado — part comedy, part confidence — captured exactly why fans still love Epps. His delivery was vintage Day-Day: high-energy, mischievous, and honest.
He also reflected on joining the series decades ago, admitting that replacing Chris Tucker’s Smokey in Next Friday came with major nerves. “I remember meeting all them dudes,” he said. “Man, I was so nervous. But Ice Cube looked out for me, man. I’ll never have an ill feeling about that brother.”
Epps credited Cube for mentoring him early on and encouraging him to improvise — a key factor behind the franchise’s raw comedic magic.
Nostalgia Meets a New Era
The podcast clip’s editing drove home that emotional mix of humor and heart. Between Epps’ stories and the throwback movie scenes, viewers got a vivid reminder of how Friday became a cultural touchstone — a street-level comedy that blended community, chaos, and charisma.
Epps said this new installment won’t just lean on nostalgia, though. With McGruder’s involvement, he expects Last Friday to bring “a little more edge,” modernizing the humor without losing its authenticity.
Behind-the-scenes reports confirm Last Friday is officially in development, with Cube producing and directing under New Line. Epps has signed on to reprise Day-Day, with Cube returning as Craig. Production began earlier this year, with a 2026 release date now listed on IMDb.
Fans React: Nostalgia, Excitement, and a Touch of Caution
X lit up after the clip dropped, generating over 25,000 likes, 4,000 reposts, and hundreds of comments by November 18.
The dominant reaction: pure excitement. One fan posted, “Did he say Aaron McGruder?! Oh this bout to be legendary!!!” Others simply celebrated Epps’ comedic chemistry with Cube. Therefore, writing, “Day-Day and Craig back together — it’s over for the theaters.”
Still, some replies showed cautious optimism. “Nothing tops the first one,” one user wrote, while another added, “This new movie won’t feel right without John Witherspoon.”
Another comment captured the generational split perfectly: “I pray no internet comedians.” That concern reflects fans’ fear that newer influencers could dilute the series’ raw, lived-in authenticity.
Even so, the hype is undeniable. As one user put it, “Cube, Mike Epps, DJ Pooh, and McGruder in the same writer’s room? Yeah, I’m buying a ticket already.”
Beyond the Clip: Inside “7PM in Brooklyn”
The full episode of 7PM in Brooklyn — titled “Mike Epps on New Friday Movie with Ice Cube, Eddie Murphy & Tyrese Haliburton vs Reggie Miller” — runs over an hour and dives deeper into Epps’ career.
He discusses his We Them Ones comedy tour, his early struggles in Hollywood, and his gratitude toward Ice Cube. “Cube gave me my shot,” Epps says in the full version. “When it was time to be funny, he said, ‘Take off — now it’s your time.’”
The podcast, hosted by Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, has become a go-to stop for culture-shifting guests, blending humor with nostalgia. This episode — sponsored by FanDuel and produced by WAVE — stands out for its balance of laughter and legacy talk, earning praise from co-host Kazeem himself:
“God as my witness, the funniest episode of all time.”
Conclusion: “Last Friday” and the Weight of Legacy
For two decades, fans have waited for the Friday saga to return — and now, that wait may finally pay off. With Ice Cube steering the ship, DJ Pooh’s classic sensibility, and Aaron McGruder’s modern edge, Last Friday promises to be both a love letter and a rebirth.
Mike Epps’ energy on 7PM in Brooklyn made it clear that this isn’t a nostalgia cash grab — it’s personal. “This one,” he said, pausing mid-laugh, “is gonna be for the books. Legendary.”
If the clip is any indication, Last Friday won’t just close a comedy era — it might remind everyone why the first one hit so hard in the first place.