A decade after Ride Along 2 hit theaters, Kevin Hart is officially gearing up to return to the franchise that helped cement his status as a box‑office comedy powerhouse. Universal Pictures has revived development on Ride Along 3, reuniting Hart with longtime co‑star Ice Cube for another round of high‑energy buddy‑cop chaos.
The Ride Along series has been dormant since 2016, despite strong box‑office performance and fan demand. Earlier attempts to launch a third film stalled due to creative differences and shifting studio priorities. But momentum has finally returned: Universal has hired writer Daniel Gold, known for his work on Workin’ Moms, to craft a fresh screenplay that reportedly brought the entire original team back into alignment.
Director Tim Story and producer Will Packer, who shaped the first two films, are also in talks to return, signaling a full creative reunion.
The long delay wasn’t due to lack of interest—Hart and Ice Cube have both expressed enthusiasm for a third installment over the years. Instead, the slowdown reflected a broader industry trend: big‑screen comedies have struggled as audiences gravitated toward streaming platforms. With studios now revisiting proven theatrical brands, Ride Along 3 is emerging as a strong contender for a box‑office comeback.
While plot details remain under wraps, the franchise’s core dynamic is expected to return: Hart’s fast‑talking Ben Barber and Ice Cube’s no‑nonsense James Payton navigating crime‑fueled mayhem with mismatched energy and reluctant brother‑in‑law chemistry. Their partnership has always been the heart of the series, and both stars are reportedly enthusiastic about reuniting—pending final script approval.
The first two Ride Along films collectively earned nearly $279 million worldwide, making the franchise a reliable mid‑budget hit for Universal. That financial track record, combined with Hart and Cube’s enduring star power, explains why the studio is ready to roll the dice again.
With the screenplay still in development, Ride Along 3 doesn’t yet have a release window. But after ten years of anticipation, the confirmation that Hart and Cube are actively involved has reignited excitement among fans of the action‑comedy duo.
