Ice Cube Denies Claims That Friday Movie Actors Were Underpaid

Rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube denies claims that his Fridayco-stars were underpaid. Released in 1995, Friday marks Ice Cube’s debut as a producer and screenwriter. The stoner buddy comedy film follows Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker), two perpetually unemployed friends who run into trouble with a local drug dealer in South Central Los Angeles.

In addition to Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, Friday stars Nia Long, Bernie Mac, John Witherspoon, Regina King, Tiny “Zeus” Lister Jr., and Faizon Love as the menacing drug dealer Big Worm. Friday launched two sequels—Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002—with Ice Cube the only returning cast member. Despite negative reviews, the entire franchise has been embraced as a cult classic.

Now, Ice Cube has taken to Twitter to respond to accusations of “robbing his own people” of fair wages on the Friday set. Per the Atlanta Black Star, Faizon Love revealed that he only made $2,500 for his work on Friday. Rather than returning for the sequel for “double scale,” the actor took a part in The Replacements for $100,000. Ice Cube defended the Friday paycheck, writing, “Fazion worked 1 day, maybe 2. All the actors got paid scale to do the movie.” Check out his full response below:

Per Ice Cube’s Tweet, Friday, a New Line production, was made for $2.3 million. It grossed over $27 million at the box office. For his work in the film, Chris Tucker reportedly received $10,000. Still, Ice Cube denies the rumor that money was the reason behind Tucker’s absence from Next Friday. Rather, Tucker turned down the gig for religious reasons, no longer wanting to swear or smoke weed on film, turning down a potential payday of $10 to $12 million.

Despite internet-fueled rumors of pay disparity resentment, Faizon Love says he would happily return for a future Friday installment. Luckily for Friday fans, a fourth film is potentially on the horizon. That is, if Ice Cube and Warner Bros. can come to a deal regarding the franchise’s rights. If Last Friday ever comes to fruition, audiences can at least potentially look forward to Big Worm’s return to the franchise. 

Source: Ice Cube