Ice Cube, Kevin Hart in Talks for 'Ride Along 3'

The potential return of the popular buddy cop comedy series could bring new high-energy action and chemistry.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:29pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and black, conceptually representing the buddy cop action and comedy of the 'Ride Along' film series.The return of the popular 'Ride Along' buddy cop comedy franchise could bring a new burst of high-energy action and chemistry between its lead stars.Los Angeles Today

According to reports, actors Ice Cube and Kevin Hart are in negotiations to reprise their roles in a third installment of the 'Ride Along' action-comedy film series. The project is being developed by Universal Pictures, with director Tim Story and producer Will Packer also in talks to return.

Why it matters

The 'Ride Along' films have proven to be a profitable mid-budget franchise for Universal, with the first two movies grossing over $220 million combined at the domestic box office. A third installment could further capitalize on the established chemistry between the two lead actors and continue the series' successful formula of buddy cop comedy.

The details

The first 'Ride Along' film was released in 2014 and earned over $130 million at the domestic box office. Its sequel, 'Ride Along 2', followed in 2016 and grossed more than $90 million. Now, nearly a decade after the last film, Universal is reportedly in talks with Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, director Tim Story, and producer Will Packer to revive the franchise with a third installment. Daniel Gold has been tapped to pen a fresh take on the buddy cop story.

  • The first 'Ride Along' film was released in 2014.
  • The sequel, 'Ride Along 2', was released in 2016.

The players

Ice Cube

An American rapper, actor, and filmmaker who has starred in the 'Ride Along' franchise as one of the lead characters, a law enforcement officer.

Kevin Hart

An American comedian and actor who has starred alongside Ice Cube in the 'Ride Along' films, playing the other lead character, a law enforcement officer with vastly different skills.

Tim Story

An American film director who has previously directed the first two 'Ride Along' films and is in negotiations to return for the third installment.

Will Packer

An American film producer who has produced the previous 'Ride Along' films and is in talks to return for the third film.

Daniel Gold

A screenwriter who has been tapped to pen a fresh take on the 'Ride Along' buddy cop story for the third film.

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What’s next

If the negotiations are successful, Universal Pictures will officially greenlight 'Ride Along 3' and begin production on the film.

The takeaway

The potential return of the popular 'Ride Along' buddy cop comedy series could bring a new burst of high-energy action and chemistry between its lead stars, further capitalizing on the established franchise's successful formula.