Kevin Hart and Ice Cube set for Ride Along 3 comeback

Ride Along 3 moves forward as Universal hires a new writer, reviving the long-delayed comedy franchise

Ride Along 3 is moving forward at Universal Pictures after nearly a decade in development, marking renewed momentum for the long-gestating comedy sequel.

According to Variety, Ice Cube and Kevin Hart are expected to return to the franchise, with Tim Story also back to direct and Will Packer producing. The project remains in early development at Universal Pictures.

The latest update is the hiring of Daniel Gold, known for Workin’ Moms, to write the screenplay. His appointment is seen as a key step in reviving the project, which has remained stalled despite continued interest from its core team.

The Ride Along franchise began in 2014 with a commercially successful first film, followed by a sequel in 2016. The films follow a security guard attempting to prove himself to his girlfriend’s police officer brother, combining action and comedy elements that helped both instalments perform strongly at the global box office.

However, the delay in progressing a third film reflects wider changes in the industry. Big-screen comedies have become less frequent, with studios increasingly shifting the genre towards streaming platforms as theatrical comedy output declines.

Despite these challenges, Universal Pictures appears to be revisiting the franchise due to its proven commercial track record and the established on-screen chemistry between Hart and Cube.

Universal Pictures has not commented on the project.