Nearly two decades after winning over audiences with their family-friendly comedy adventures, Ice Cube and Nia Long are officially set to reunite for the next chapter of the beloved Are We There Yet? franchise.
Fans of the popular film series have reason to celebrate after Skydance Sports acquired the rights to produce a third instalment, titled Are They Gone Yet?. The announcement marks a major return for one of the most successful family comedy franchises of the 2000s.
The original films followed the hilarious struggles of Nick Persons, played by Ice Cube, as he navigated life with Suzanne and her two children. The movies became fan favourites thanks to their blend of family humour, relatable parenting challenges and heartwarming moments.
The upcoming sequel will bring audiences back into the lives of Nick and Suzanne, but this time the couple faces an entirely new chapter. Rather than dealing with young children, the story will reportedly focus on the challenges and surprises of becoming grandparents.
Written by screenwriters Chris Hazzard and Mike Fontana, the film jumps forward to the present day, showing how much life has changed for the once-chaotic blended family. While plot details remain tightly guarded, the title suggests that Nick and Suzanne’s hopes for a peaceful and relaxing phase of life may be interrupted by a new generation of energetic youngsters.
The project will be produced by Broken Road Productions and Ice Cube’s CubeVision banner, alongside producers Todd Garner and Jeff Kwatinetz. The collaboration brings together several of the key creative forces behind the franchise’s continued success.
Over the years, the Are We There Yet? series has developed into a major commercial success. The first two films became staples of family entertainment and helped establish the franchise as one of the most recognisable comedy brands of its era.
Speaking about his return, Ice Cube reflected on the lasting connection audiences have with the characters. He explained that the franchise grew alongside its fans, making the next chapter a natural progression for the story.
According to the actor and producer, returning to the role of Nick Persons is not simply about revisiting old memories but about continuing a legacy that has evolved over time. He also expressed excitement about partnering with Skydance and introducing the next generation of viewers to the franchise.
Nia Long also shared her enthusiasm about reuniting with Ice Cube. Fresh from receiving praise for her role in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael, the actress reacted to the announcement on social media with a simple but enthusiastic message that quickly excited fans.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the sequel is whether the original child stars will return. Fans are eager to find out if Aleisha Allen and Philip Daniel Bolden will reprise their roles as Lindsey and Kevin, this time as adults navigating parenthood themselves.
The possibility of seeing the original cast reunite has already generated significant excitement online, with many viewers expressing nostalgia for the films that defined a generation of family comedy.
As anticipation continues to build, Are They Gone Yet? promises to bring familiar faces, new family challenges and plenty of laughs. By moving the story into the grandparent stage of life, the sequel aims to connect with longtime fans while also introducing the beloved characters to a younger audience.
With production now officially moving forward, audiences can look forward to seeing Nick and Suzanne return for another round of family chaos, proving that some stories never truly grow old.
