‘Ride Along 3’ In Early Works With Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Director Tim Story & Producer Will Packer In Talks To Return – The Dish

Universal Pictures is in the early stages of developing 'Ride Along 3,' with stars Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, director Tim Story, and producer Will Packer all in discussions to return to the popular comedy franchise. The studio has recently closed a deal with screenwriter Daniel Gold to pen the script, signaling a serious commitment to reviving the buddy-cop series that began in 2014. This development occurs as Universal seeks to capitalize on its established, successful properties in a competitive theatrical landscape, aiming to reunite the core creative team that delivered two previous box office hits. The 'Ride Along' series, which pairs the contrasting comedic styles of Ice Cube's stern police officer with Kevin Hart's over-eager security guard, has proven to be a lucrative venture for the studio. The first film, released in 2014, was a surprise success, grossing over $150 million globally against a modest budget. Its 2016 sequel, 'Ride Along 2,' also performed strongly, solidifying the franchise's commercial appeal. The potential third installment represents a strategic move to reignite a proven formula after a several-year hiatus, banking on the enduring popularity and chemistry of its lead actors. Bringing back director Tim Story and producer Will Packer, who have been instrumental in the franchise's tone and execution, is considered crucial for maintaining continuity. The hiring of Daniel Gold, known for his work on the Netflix/CBC comedy series 'Workin' Moms,' suggests a focus on sharp, contemporary humor. While the project is still in its nascent phase—with no official green light, start date, or plot details confirmed—the active negotiations with key talent indicate strong momentum. This news will likely be welcomed by fans of the series, who have waited nearly a decade for another chapter in the comedic adventures of Ben Barber and James Payton.