After a decade of stalled development and creative misalignment, the buddy-cop comedy franchise is finally gaining traction. Universal Pictures is currently in early development for Ride Along 3, with stars Kevin Hart and Ice Cube in talks to reprise their roles as the mismatched brothers-in-law.
The project has seen renewed momentum following the hiring of screenwriter Daniel Gold, known for the series Workin’ Moms and the upcoming film Tough Guys. According to industry reports, Gold’s new accept on the story has successfully brought the core creative team back onto the same page, resolving the creative differences that had previously delayed a third installment via Deadline.
Beyond the lead actors, director Tim Story and producer Will Packer are also in discussions to return to the franchise. While Universal has not officially commented on the project, the alignment of the original cast and crew suggests a concerted effort to revive the series ten years after the second film hit theaters via The Hollywood Reporter.
Overcoming a Decade of Development Hell
The road to a third Ride Along film has been lengthy. While there was always an appetite among the stars and producers to continue the story, they frequently struggled to agree on the direction of the plot. The franchise had essentially been in limbo since the release of Ride Along 2 in 2016.
The current shift in momentum is partly attributed to the broader cinematic landscape. The success of recent action-comedy sequels has demonstrated that nostalgia and established franchise chemistry remain strong box office draws. By bringing back the specific dynamic between Hart’s eager Ben Barber and Cube’s stoic James Payton, Universal aims to capitalize on a proven comedic formula that resonated with global audiences via Variety.
The Financial Legacy of the Franchise
The decision to revive the series is backed by a history of profitability. The first Ride Along, released in 2014, was a significant hit, debuting to $48.6 million over the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend and eventually grossing over $130 million domestically via The Hollywood Reporter. Global totals for the first film are reported between $154 million and $155 million via Deadline.
The 2016 sequel maintained this momentum, opening to $41 million over four days and concluding its domestic run with over $90 million via The Hollywood Reporter. Globally, the second installment earned approximately $124.6 million via Deadline. In total, the franchise has generated roughly $279 million worldwide via Deadline.
Cast and Crew Trajectories
As the project moves forward, both leads have remained active in diverse genres. Ice Cube was recently seen in the sci-fi production War of the Worlds and appeared in a cameo for Sony’s Anaconda via The Hollywood Reporter. Kevin Hart continues to balance major franchise perform and new adaptations; he recently appeared in the Borderlands video game movie and is scheduled to return for the fourth Jumanji film, expected in December via The Hollywood Reporter.
The returning production team also brings current momentum. Producer Will Packer is currently releasing the romantic comedy You, Me & Tuscany with Universal via The Hollywood Reporter. Director Tim Story, who helmed both previous entries, is expected to maintain the visual and comedic tone that defined the first two films.
Franchise Summary and History
| Film | Release Year | Primary Setting | Approx. Global Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride Along | 2014 | Atlanta | $154M – $155M |
| Ride Along 2 | 2016 | Miami | $124.6M |
| Ride Along 3 | TBD | TBD | In Development |
The series’ core appeal remains the contrast between the two protagonists: Ben Barber, a security guard attempting to prove his worth and James Payton, a high-ranking police officer with little patience for Ben’s antics. Their relationship, rooted in the tension of being brothers-in-law, has provided the emotional and comedic backbone of the series.
With the screenplay now in the hands of Daniel Gold and the primary talent in talks to return, the project has transitioned from a long-term aspiration to an active development piece at Universal. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the industry is watching to see if this “threequel” can recapture the magic of the original 2014 debut.
Further updates are expected as Universal moves from early development toward official production scheduling. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the return of this duo in the comments below.