LOS ANGELES — Twenty years ago, Ice Cube and Nia started what would be one of the most popular road-trip comedies of all time. Are They Gone Yet? a third instalment of the francise was announced.
Ice Cube and Nia Long / Getty
In addition, Skydance Sports developed the third project. Therefore, the story builds on what the two original instalments introduced, the Persons family and its relationship with Ice Cube’s Character, Nike Persons, and Nia’s character, Suzanne.
New Generational Developments
The third installation is no longer just about the road trip and the monotonous life of the family. However, the new story is about Nick Persons dealing with new domestic family dynamics – grandparenthood. Skydance is expected to confirm as a director for the project, along with a finalized filming in a few days.
Production Partners
The movie Brings together independent studio Broken Road and Ice Cube’s studio, CubeVision. First, the rapper-turned actor will still serve as the executive producer, assisted by Todd Garner and Jeff Kwatinetz.
In a media release, Ice Cube announced the return of the franchise, reflecting on the deep historical connections the characters had established with the audience.
However, he said, “With this kind of franchise, we have created something awesome. Nick grew up with more followers, and now he has grandkids. Time flies.” Ice Cube noted that using external partners to refresh legacy IPs for modern audiences has always been a key pillar.
Respectively, the company’s project portfolio currently includes Barbershop comedy films, which achieved significant commercial milestones, and the musical drama Straight Outta Compton.
Franchise Origins and Evolution
The filmakers released Are We There Yet? in 2005. This installation set the franchise by detailing Nik’s high-stakes bid to secure the romantic interests of his long-term crush, Suzanne.
In the story, he has to drive Suzanne’s two young rebellious children, Kevin and Lindsey, across the states. Initially, Phillip Daniel and Aleisha Allen played Kevin and Lindsey.
To add up, the property became more popular over the years, inspiring its expansion into network television. A sitcom adaptation premiered on the TBS cable network in 2010 and ran for many seasons. Consequently, Terry Crews took over Ice Cube’s role while Essence Atkins replaced Suzanne in her role.
Box Office Performance
The original Are We There Yet? Proved to be a huge commercial success, generating a global box office revenue of $97.9 million. The studio built on this financial success, by releasing a theatrical sequel, Are We Done Yet? in 2007. The latter followed the family’s transition into a middle-class estate. It pulled in $58 million globally against a production budget of $28 million.
In Nutshell
Afterwards, the child star Aleisha published a nostalgic picture of the original film, the announcement for the third instalment came up. Finally, she thanked her fans for keeping the movie popular over the years and reflected on the fond memories she carries from the set.
