The Hilarious Return? What We Know About Pinky In The Upcoming 'Last Friday' Movie

The character Pinky, immortalized by the veteran actor Clifton Powell, stands as one of the most quotable and unforgettable supporting roles in the entire *Friday* film franchise. As of December 2025, the buzz surrounding the long-awaited fourth installment, often referred to as *Last Friday* or *Friday 4*, is hotter than ever, and the question on every fan's mind is simple: Will Pinky be back? The good news is that the actor himself is not only ready but eager to reprise the role, fueled by a desire to honor the franchise’s late icons. This article dives deep into the character's legacy, the actor's impressive career, and the most current, up-to-date information on Pinky's crucial role in the future of the *Friday* universe.

The possibility of seeing the eccentric, gun-toting record store owner back on screen alongside Craig (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) has generated significant fan excitement. While an official release date for *Last Friday* remains unconfirmed, recent traction with studio leadership has given Ice Cube the green light to move forward with the script and production. The return of beloved characters like Pinky is essential to maintaining the comedic and topical authority of the series, making Clifton Powell's involvement a top priority for fans and, hopefully, the filmmakers.

Clifton Powell: A Complete Biography and Filmography Profile

Clifton Powell is an American actor, producer, and director with a prolific career spanning over four decades, excelling in both dramatic and comedic roles. He is best known for his scene-stealing performance as Pinky, but his filmography is rich with critically acclaimed work.

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• Full Name: Clifton Powell
• Date of Birth: March 16, 1956
• Place of Birth: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
• Profession: Actor, Producer, Director, Soundtrack Artist
• Notable Accolade: Received attention for his high-profile role in the Oscar-winning film *Ray* (2004), where he played Ray Charles’s manager, Jeff Brown.
• First Major Film Role: *House Party* (1990)
• Iconic Roles:
  • Pinky in *Next Friday* (2000) and *Friday After Next* (2002)
  • Chauncey in *Dead Presidents* (1995)
  • Jeff Brown in *Ray* (2004)
  • Luke in *Deep Cover* (1992)
• Recent Filmography (2023–2025): Powell continues to work consistently, proving his enduring presence in Hollywood. Recent projects include:
  • *Once in a Valentine* (2024)
  • *Trap City* (2024)
  • *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* (2024 - Series)
  • *Skeletons in the Closet* (2024 - Movie)
  • *The In-Law Gang* (2023)

The Enduring Legacy of Pinky: From Record Store Owner to Franchise Icon

Pinky was introduced in the second installment of the series, *Next Friday* (2000), after Craig (Ice Cube) moved to Rancho Cucamonga to escape the menacing Deebo. Pinky is the owner of the local record store where Craig’s cousin, Day-Day (Mike Epps), and his friend, Roach, work.

The Pinky Character's Quirks and Comedy

The character is a masterclass in comedic intensity. Pinky is a perpetually paranoid, short-fused businessman who carries a gun and is constantly suspicious of his employees. His most memorable scenes often revolve around his over-the-top reactions and his unique, almost theatrical, style of speaking.

• The Iconic Mistake: Pinky’s most famous scene in *Next Friday* is when he bursts into the store, mistakes Craig for a robber, and holds him at gunpoint, refusing to believe the truth until Day-Day intervenes.
• The "Pinky" Name: Despite his tough demeanor, the name "Pinky" adds a layer of absurd comedy. In the first film, Craig and Day-Day are constantly trying to figure out why a man with such a gangster attitude has such a delicate nickname.
• The Unexpected Casting Story: In a truly unique piece of cinematic history, Clifton Powell revealed in a recent interview that the role of Pinky was originally written for a white actor. Ice Cube, however, remembered Powell's work in *Dead Presidents* and pushed for him to take the role, a decision that cemented Pinky's place as a comedic legend.

The Latest Updates on Pinky's Return in 'Last Friday' (Friday 4)

The development of *Last Friday* has been a long and challenging road, largely due to studio rights issues and, tragically, the passing of key cast members. However, recent updates from Ice Cube and his team suggest the project is finally moving forward, and Clifton Powell is actively campaigning for his return.

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Clifton Powell's Plea to Ice Cube

In 2024, Clifton Powell has been vocal about his desire to return as Pinky. His motivation is deeply personal and serves as a tribute to the late stars of the franchise.

• Honoring the Legends: Powell stated that he wants the fourth film to be made as a way of paying tribute to the late John Witherspoon (Pops) and Tommy 'Tiny' Lister (Deebo). The passing of these two foundational actors has left a void, and Powell feels the sequel should serve as a respectful farewell.
• A Fan-Favorite Necessity: The character of Pinky is considered a fan-favorite, with many viewers citing him as the funniest part of *Next Friday*. His return would provide the necessary comedic relief and continuity that the sequel needs to succeed.

The Status of 'Last Friday' and Pinky's Potential Storyline

While the script for *Last Friday* is still under wraps, the narrative is expected to bring Craig back to the original neighborhood, or perhaps see the Rancho Cucamonga crew—including Day-Day and Pinky—cross paths with the South Central characters. The sequel is anticipated to be a final chapter, aiming to wrap up the storylines of the beloved characters.

If Pinky returns, his storyline would likely involve another chaotic, high-stakes situation. Given his entrepreneurial spirit, he might have expanded his business beyond the record store, perhaps into a new, equally volatile venture. Alternatively, fans have speculated about a new character, possibly Pinky's son, being introduced to the franchise, with rapper Jay Critch even prodding the idea on social media with a selfie alongside Powell.

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The momentum for *Last Friday* in late 2024 and 2025 is the strongest it has been in years. With Ice Cube confirming the film is officially in the works and a major character like Pinky, played by the consistently working Clifton Powell, openly advocating for his return, all signs point to a hilarious and meaningful comeback for the iconic character. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official casting announcement to confirm that Pinky's signature brand of high-strung comedy will once again grace the big screen.