(L to R) ICE CUBE and KEVIN HART lead the returning lineup of "Ride Along 2," the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us the year's most popular comedy duo.
HOLLYWOOD — The “Brothers-in-Law” are finally back. After nearly a decade of stalled negotiations and scheduling conflicts, Universal Pictures has officially put “Ride Along 3” into early development.
The announcement, which broke on Saturday, April 11, 2026, confirms that both Ice Cube and Kevin Hart are in active negotiations to reprise their roles as the gruff Detective James Payton and the high-energy Ben Barber.
The “New Pitch” That Saved the Sequel
The franchise has been in a state of “pre-production limbo” since 2016. According to industry insiders, the project finally gained momentum after a “game-changing” pitch from a new creative voice.
- New Writer Tapped: Daniel Gold (Workin’ Moms, Tough Guys) has been hired to pen the screenplay. Gold reportedly delivered a fresh take on the buddy-cop dynamic that finally “unified” the original team.
- Returning Crew: Director Tim Story and producer Will Packer, the architects of the first two films, are also in negotiations to return, ensuring the third installment maintains the signature comedic rhythm of the original hits.
- The Plot: While specifics are under wraps, the film is expected to follow the now-married Ben Barber as he attempts to navigate life as a full-fledged detective alongside a perpetually unimpressed James Payton.
A Decade in the Making
The long delay between the second and third films—which collectively grossed over $280 million worldwide—was primarily due to the explosive career growth of its two leads.
”The hardest part wasn’t the script; it was the calendar,” a source close to the production noted. “Trying to get Cube and Kevin in the same city for three months has been like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. Daniel Gold’s script was just too good to keep waiting.”
Universal’s Comedy Push
The greenlight for Ride Along 3 signals a shift in Universal’s theatrical strategy. While many major studios have moved mid-budget comedies exclusively to streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock, Universal is banking on the “proven commercial chemistry” of Hart and Cube for a full theatrical release.
The studio is reportedly aiming for a 2027 release window, allowing both actors to clear their packed 2026 schedules.
Fan Expectations
The “Ride Along” franchise is known for its high-energy action and the “straight man vs. comic relief” dynamic. Fans on social media have already begun speculating on the setting for the third film, with many hoping for an international “ride along” to mirror the Miami shift seen in the 2016 sequel.
For now, the project remains in the “script-tuning” phase, but for fans of Ben Barber’s frantic energy and James Payton’s icy stares, the wait is finally nearing its end.
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