Chris Tucker Turned Down Over $10 Million To Return As Smokey For Friday Franchise

Friday is undoubtedly one of the greatest stoner comedies of all time. The 1995 film was shot with just a budget of over $3 million, but went on to gross more than $27 million at the box office. It also spawned several sequels.

Ice Cube, who wrote and starred in the cult hit, revealed the reason behind fellow star Chris Tucker’s exit from the film. Tucker played Smokey in the original film but did not appear in subsequent instalments.

Cube also shelved the rumors that Tucker left the franchise over payment issues. His Tweet came in response to a fan, who said the “Rush Hour” actor quit Friday over money.

“We were ready to pay Chris Tucker $10-12m to do Next Friday but he turned us down for religious reasons,” the 52-year-old said. “He didn’t want to cuss or smoke weed on camera anymore.”

Cube also tweeted out to address accusations that actors didn’t make much to work on the first Friday film.

“I didn’t rob no f*ckin body. The 1995 Friday movie cost $2.3m to make. Shot it in 20 days. Fazion worked 1 day, maybe 2. All the actors got paid scale to do the movie. They could’ve simple said ‘No’ but they didn’t. So miss me with that sh*t…”

The “Chin Check” rapper also fired back at Faizon Love, who played Big Worm in the original film. Love claimed he turned down a role in the sequel after only making $2,500 from the 1995 film.

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