Rams draft campaign 'Thursday' stars Ice Cube & Chris Tucker's sons in a hilarious NFL twist on the classic comedy Friday.
- April 19, 2026
AceShowbiz - The Los Angeles Rams have enlisted O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker, the sons of iconic actors Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, to lead a fresh take on the beloved comedy Friday for their latest NFL Draft campaign.
Titled Thursday, the new draft film features O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker alongside notable talents such as Terry Crews, YG, Kevin Dotson, Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Big Boy. The campaign launched across all Rams digital and social media platforms, building excitement ahead of the NFL Draft scheduled for next week.
The original Friday, directed by F. Gary Gray and scripted by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, was released in 1995 by New Line Cinema. The film starred Ice Cube as Craig and Chris Tucker as Smokey, two friends scrambling to gather $200 owed to a local bully before Saturday arrives. This cultural comedy remains a significant touchstone for many fans and communities.
To honor the impact of the original film, the Rams partnered with TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles to develop Thursday, a reimagined version designed to celebrate Friday’s cultural influence in the areas where Rams supporters live. The production even took place at the iconic house used in the original movie, located in West Athens near the Rams’ SoFi Stadium headquarters in Inglewood.
Thursday aims to capture the anticipation and thrill surrounding the NFL Draft, highlighting the possibilities of new players joining the Rams roster. Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick, the Rams’ chief marketing officer, emphasized the project’s connection to Los Angeles, stating that it is a celebration of the city’s culture, creativity, and global impact.
“Friday is more than just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone,” Frederick explained. “By reimagining it as Thursday, linking it to the draft, and weaving in authentic fan experiences throughout Los Angeles, we are creating something that genuinely reflects the spirit of our city.”
This film is part of a broader slate of fan-oriented draft events hosted by the Rams. Among these is the Zillow Draft House, a pop-up venue near Cinépolis Inglewood in Hollywood Park. The space features a branded living room, a small turf football field, and a retail area. From April 23 to 25, the Rams will also present the Rams Block Party at Hollywood Park, sponsored by Zillow. This event includes carnival rides, games, “Main Street” activations, and live NFL Draft viewing areas. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Rams Foundation.
O'Shea Jackson Jr. is an established actor who debuted portraying his father in the film Straight Outta Compton. His recent work includes starring in the Sundance film Idiots. Additional credits for Jackson Jr. include appearances in Swagger, Cocaine Bear, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Just Mercy, Den of Thieves, Ingrid Goes West, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Destin Tucker is an actor, writer, and musician who stars in the short film W.T.A.F.. Together, O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker bring a new generation’s energy to a project deeply rooted in their fathers’ legacy.