Ice Cube asserts his Friday co-star Chris Tucker turned down $12 million to reprise his role in the sequel.
The duo’s 1995 comedy was a hit, producing two sequels: 2000’s Next Friday and 2002’s Friday After Next. However, Tucker did not return to portray Smokey in the subsequent films due to what Ice Cube, who was also a producer on the movies, described as “faith-based reasons.”
“We were prepared to compensate Chris Tucker $10-12m to do Next Friday but he turned us down for faith-based reasons. He didn’t want to swear or use marijuana on camera anymore,” tweeted the rapper/actor, 52, when someone inquired Wednesday whether Tucker “quit over financial” factors.
A representative for Tucker did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Last month, Tucker, 50, contemplated on his choice to withdraw from the subsequent sequels.
“Back then, I have to tell you, one of the reasons why I didn’t do the second one was because of the marijuana,” Tucker stated in an interview with All Urban Central. “Because I said, man, that movie became a phenomenon. I don’t want everybody using marijuana — and I never really told people this because I kind of forgot about it, but it was one of the reasons why I didn’t do it. Because I said, ‘I don’t wanna represent everybody using marijuana.’”
“And that’s one of the reasons why I said ‘no.’ I didn’t want to keep portraying that character. It probably was beneficial for me because it propelled me to the next phase and next movies,” Tucker added.
He also cited other grounds for his decision not to return to Friday, remarking, “I never considered doing sequels. I always aspired to do an excellent job and progress to the next movie.”
Tucker starred in three Rush Hour movies with co-star Jackie Chan, in addition to films like 1997’s The Fifth Element and 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook.
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Regarding the notion of returning for a long-rumored fourth Friday movie, Tucker stated he would “certainly contemplate it.”
“I always said — because I’m aware my fans adore the movies so much [and] they always bring it up — I said, well, if they present me with an exceptional script and a great idea, I would definitely consider it,” he said. “But it’s been so long ago and that character became such a great character. I don’t wanna spoil it.”
What is Chris Tucker’s Faith?
Chris Tucker was born into a Christian family and reportedly practiced the faith as a child.
His parents, Mary Louise and Norris Tucker were members of the Church of God in Christ.
Chris does not publicize his faith on his socials; in a 2014 interview, he openly discussed his religious beliefs.
“I never was a vulgar, vulgar comedian but I didn’t consider what I was saying because I was young,” he said.
“Being a Christian aids me in comedy. I have to talk about other stuff. Ordinarily, most comics discuss stuff that’s effortless—perhaps cursing or saying something vulgar.
“I have to delve deeper to find something that’s still humorous and not vulgar. It’s more challenging. I relish the challenge.”
List of Top Chris Tucker Movies
Rush Hour (1998)
When the young daughter of the Chinese diplomat Han is abducted, he seeks the assistance of his trusted Hong Kong detective, Inspector Lee.
He is paired with LAPD detective James Carter, a big mouth who prefers to work alone. These two, who cannot tolerate each other, end up working together to solve the case before the FBI.
Friday (1995)
After being terminated the previous day, Craig spends his Friday afternoon using marijuana with his friend Smokey. Now drug dealer Big Worm demands either money or the marijuana, but they are in serious trouble with no money to pay him.
If that is not enough, neighborhood characters like bully Deebo, Craig’s crush Debbie, and others add more excitement to their Friday.
The Fifth Element (1997)
In the twenty-third century, when the great Evil threatens the Earth, a cab driver and former Major find the Fifth Element, the only weapon capable of destroying Evil, in his car in the form of the woman Leeloo.
He must deliver her safely to her contact, priest Vito Cornelius, evading evil industrialist Zorg and his mercenary Mangalores.
Rush Hour 2 (2001)
The second installment in the Rush Hour series does not disappoint in comedy and high-intensity action.
Chief Inspector Lee and LAPD Detective James Carter pursue Fu-Cang-Long triad boss Ricky Tan, who orchestrates a bomb attack at the US Embassy in Hong Kong.
Rush Hour 3 (2007)
Following a failed assassination attempt on Ambassador Han, Hong Kong Chief Inspector Lee and LAPD detective Carter travel to Paris to protect a French woman who possesses crucial information about the Chinese Triads.
As the dangerous Triads endeavor to prevent them from reaching the report, Lee continues to battle even after recognizing one of the Triads as his childhood friend.
