Netflix Acquires Friday Franchise Months After Ice Cube Confirms “Last Friday”
Netflix’s deal with Warner Bros. will bring Ice Cube’s new film “Last Friday” and the entire Friday movie franchise to audiences around the world.
Ice Cube smiling on set while announcing the new Friday movie Courtesy of Netflix
We are witnessing a change in the entertainment industry. On December 5, 2025, Warner Bros. And Netflix entered into a deal. Netflix will acquire Warner Bros.
Discovery (WBD) has announced a significant agreement. HBO/HBO Max, DC Entertainment/DC Studios, and their respective content libraries make up this category, which additionally includes film and television studios. WBD’s enterprise value is valued at approximately US$82.7 billion in the cash-and-stock transaction, while its equity value is roughly US$72.0 billion.
Under the agreement, linear network assets, including cable channels like CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, and others, are excluded. Discovery Global, a separate company, will take over as part of the previously announced reorganization.
This deal is significant because it brings historic film franchises and a newly greenlit comedy sequel directly into Netflix’s expanding global platform.
A New Chapter for a Cult Classic: Last Friday
In 2025, Ice Cube signed a deal with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. to write and star in a new installment of the ‘Friday’ franchise – titled Last Friday. This is the fourth movie in the series and the first one to be released in over 20 years, since Friday After Next in 2002. In a public interview, New Line’s President and Chief Creative Officer Richard Brener confirmed the deal and described it as officially ‘green-lit’.
Ice Cube was responsible for writing all three previous ‘Friday’ films, co-writing the original with DJ Pooh, and writing both sequels by himself. For some time now, he has been advocating for the revival of the franchise. In June 2024, his credit was given to Warner Bros.’ new leadership. The plot details are still under wraps, so it’s unclear which cast members will return.
The announcement itself represents a significant turning point for fans who have waited decades for a ‘Friday’ comeback.
What the Acquisition Means for the “Friday” Franchise
With Netflix now acquiring Warner Bros.’ studios and distribution apparatus:
The “Friday” franchise — now including Last Friday — will reside under the broader Netflix umbrella, giving it potentially far greater global reach than ever before.
Netflix gains not only the ability to stream the original “Friday” trilogy, but also access to theatrical distribution, marketing muscle, and the potential to elevate or expand the franchise in new ways (streaming, cinema, possibly spin-offs).
For longtime fans, this may mean increased visibility and renewed momentum — perhaps even the opportunity for the new film to reach a wide international audience through Netflix’s global platform.
Why This Deal Matters — for Hollywood and Viewers
The merger of Netflix and Warner Bros. Marks one of the most significant consolidations in modern entertainment history. It merges a streaming-first juggernaut with a studio legacy that spans nearly a century.
For viewers, it’s potentially a golden age of content: a massive library of classic and modern films and TV shows, combined with Netflix’s global reach and platform efficiency. This could mean easier access to beloved franchises, quality theatrical releases, and more ambitious projects.
For creators and talent, the merged company promises expanded production capacity and resources. The combination of Netflix’s streaming scale with Warner Bros.’ production infrastructure and IP catalog could open more opportunities for new films, series, reboots, and creative experimentation.
What’s Next — What to Watch
Regulatory scrutiny: Given the scale and impact of the acquisition, regulators in the U.S. and abroad are likely to scrutinize the deal to ensure fair competition.
Timing: The acquisition is expected to close after the spin-off of Discovery Global (the cable networks/businesses being excluded), which is slated for completion by Q3 2026.
For “Last Friday”: We don’t yet have a release date, cast list, or plot synopsis. The success — creatively and commercially — will likely depend on how closely it balances respect for the original films and whether it resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences.
In short: with Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. and Ice Cube’s green light for “Last Friday,” the “Friday” franchise may soon reemerge — bigger, bolder, and far more global than ever before.
[[Anthony L. McKnight II]] also known as Krispy was Born in Rochester, NY attending the “School Of The Arts” Class of 2009. He graduated with a Regents Arts diploma while studying Creative Writing and other arts. He recently became the founder of the Los Angeles Lakers Fan Club on Clubhouse. His club has hosted several celebrity interviews inside the fan club, from names such as Robert Horry, Gloria James, Mark Medina, Jovan Buha. His favorite hobby is spending a day out in nature, favorite sports basketball & football.
