Chris Tucker is well-known throughout the entertainment industry. He has adorned our screens for over two decades with his impeccable wit and exceptional acting abilities. However, there is one project he declined that continues to surprise admirers to this day: the ‘Friday’ sequels. Tucker has recently disclosed his decision and its rationale, casting light on his perspective and career path.
Friday is a 1995 comedy film that is considered a cult classic. Craig and Smokey, played by Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, are two best friends who spend a day in their neighbourhood getting into all types of mischief. The film was an immediate success and has since acquired a massive following. It spawned two sequels, ‘Next Friday’ and ‘Friday After Next.’
Chris Tucker did not return for the sequels despite the triumph of the original film. Tucker disclosed in an interview with ESPN’s The Plug that he turned down the sequels for financial reasons. He stated that he was paid only $10,000 for his first film, which he deemed inadequate given the film’s success.
Tucker stated, “I skipped the second and third jobs because the pay was so low. You are aware of how much they offered me for the second one, correct? $10,000. And with the third, I said, ‘You know what? Permit me to lay my entire hand on the table. They made me a $5 million offer. But when I examined it, I thought, “This is not the right thing to do.”
Tucker ultimately determined that his values were more important than money, despite the difficulty of the decision. He believed that accepting the role again solely for financial benefit would have been detrimental to his career. He stated, “Sometimes you have to take a stand and decide whether you’re doing something for the money or because it’s the right thing to do.”
In retrospect, it appears that Tucker made the correct choice. Despite the success of the sequels, his career in other areas has continued to prosper. He has starred in blockbuster films like ‘Rush Hour’ and ‘The Fifth Element’ and toured the globe performing stand-up comedy. In addition to his philanthropic efforts, he has raised funds for numerous charities.
Chris Tucker’s decision not to star in the ‘Friday’ sequels may have disappointed some fans, but it was a career-driven choice. It demonstrates that sometimes there are more essential things than money, and that staying true to your values can lead to greater long-term success.