Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tim Story, and Will Packer Might Be Back for ‘Ride Along 3’ – What to Expect
EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures is entering early development for Ride Along 3, bringing back stars Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, along with director Tim Story and producer Will Packer. Discussions are in progress to confirm their participation in the project.
This update follows Universal’s agreement with Daniel Gold, represented by CAA-Underground-Grace Kallis, to write the screenplay. Although Cube, Hart, Story, and Packer had a long-standing interest in creating a third installment, they struggled to align on ideas until Gold’s undisclosed pitch sparked renewed enthusiasm among them.
The demand for comedies in theaters underscores the significance of this news. The recent success of the revived Bad Boys franchise highlights that beloved action comedies can perform strongly at the box office. With a decade having passed since Ride Along 2, the element of nostalgia could favor the film’s reception. The original Ride Along, released in 2014, debuted to $48.6 million over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and ultimately grossed $134.9 million domestically and over $154 million worldwide. Meanwhile, Ride Along 2 opened to $41 million and finished with $91.2 million in the U.S. and $124.6 million globally. Collectively, the franchise has earned a total of $279 million worldwide.
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In the first film, security guard Ben Barber, portrayed by Hart, must prove himself to his girlfriend’s brother, a top police officer named James Payton, played by Ice Cube. Their journey leads to a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta. The sequel takes them to Miami, where they aim to dismantle a drug distribution network linked to Atlanta.
In addition to Packer, sources indicate that Cube, through Cube Vision managed by Jeff Kwatinetz, Hart under Hartbeat Productions, and Story via The Story Company are also in early talks to return as producers. Cube is represented by UTA and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, while Hart is with WME and 3Arts, and Story is repped by UTA and Johnson Shapiro. Packer is represented by CAA and Johnson Shapiro.
This weekend, Packer will oversee the release of the romance drama You, Me & Tuscany, featuring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, through Universal.
Universal had no further comments on the development of Ride Along 3.
