AceShowbiz - After a decade of silence, Universal Pictures is reportedly moving forward with Ride Along 3, reigniting hopes for fans of the successful buddy cop franchise. According to an exclusive report from Deadline, the studio is in talks with original stars Kevin Hart and Ice Cube to reprise their iconic roles in the upcoming third installment.

The Ride Along series began with its first film in 2014, which quickly became a commercial hit. The original movie earned $48.6 million within its opening four days and eventually grossed $134.9 million domestically and $154 million worldwide. Its sequel, Ride Along 2, followed in 2016 and also delivered strong box office numbers, debuting at $41 million and closing with $91.2 million domestically and $124.6 million globally. These impressive financial results helped establish the franchise as a dependable player in the action-comedy genre.

The potential return of the franchise’s key players is bolstered by the involvement of the original creative team. Director Tim Story and producer Will Packer, who helmed the first two films, are expected to return for the sequel, signaling Universal’s confidence in maintaining the series’ signature style. The screenplay will be crafted by Daniel Gold, known for his work on Tough Guys, whose fresh script concept has reportedly brought the project back on track after years of stalled development due to creative differences.

The franchise centers on the dynamic duo of Ben Barber, a witty security guard played by Kevin Hart, and James Payton, a tough police detective portrayed by Ice Cube. The original film’s plot follows Ben’s attempt to impress James, who is also his girlfriend’s protective brother, by joining him on a challenging 24-hour patrol through Atlanta. The blend of comedy and action in their misadventures quickly won over audiences, establishing a strong foundation for the series.

In the second installment, the story expands as the pair travel to Miami to take down a drug ring connected to criminal enterprises in Atlanta. This sequel maintained the franchise’s momentum both financially and critically, further solidifying its place in the market.

The announcement of Ride Along 3 comes amid a growing trend of studios capitalizing on nostalgic franchises, and Universal is clearly aiming to tap into the loyal fanbase that has supported the series for over ten years. The chemistry between Kevin Hart and Ice Cube remains a major selling point, promising to attract both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

While the precise storyline of the third film remains under wraps, the involvement of original cast and crew members suggests a continuation of the blend of high-energy comedy and action that defined the earlier movies. The fresh screenplay by Daniel Gold is expected to introduce new challenges and scenarios that will reinvigorate the franchise.

At the time of this article’s publication, there is no official release date announced for Ride Along 3. However, with key players reportedly in negotiation and the project gaining momentum, fans can anticipate further updates in the near future.

The franchise’s sustained popularity and robust box office history demonstrate Universal’s strategic move to revive a proven property that has generated nearly $300 million in worldwide revenue so far. The upcoming sequel could both capitalize on the established legacy and expand the series’ reach to a new generation of action-comedy enthusiasts.