Ice Cube, Kevin Hart In Talks to Return for ‘Ride Along 3’

Comedians Ice Cube and Kevin Hart are currently in negotiations to reprise their roles for a third installment of the 'Ride Along' action-comedy franchise, with director Tim Story and producer Will Packer also in talks to return, according to industry reports emerging in late 2024. The potential project aims to reunite the successful creative team behind the first two films, which were major box office hits, to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the mismatched-cop duo formula. The original 'Ride Along' film, released in 2014, starred Ice Cube as a tough, veteran Atlanta police officer and Kevin Hart as his over-eager, video game-obsessed future brother-in-law trying to prove himself. Its success, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a modest budget, led to the 2016 sequel 'Ride Along 2'. While the critical reception was mixed, the films' commercial performance demonstrated a strong audience appetite for the chemistry between the two leads and the franchise's blend of action and humor. Should the deals be finalized, 'Ride Along 3' would mark a significant reunion nearly a decade after the last installment. The involvement of director Tim Story and producer Will Packer, who have been instrumental in the franchise's tone and execution, suggests a desire to maintain the established formula. The news has generated considerable buzz among fans, though specific plot details and a production timeline remain under wraps pending the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.