The mid-2000s family comedy era is making a comeback, with one of its most recognisable duos officially returning to the big screen.
Ice Cube and Nia Long are set to reprise their iconic roles as Nick and Suzanne Persons in a third instalment of the beloved franchise, marking the first major continuation of the series in years.
The new film, reportedly titled Are They Gone Yet?, signals a fresh chapter for the series that defined early 2000s family comedy cinema.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Franchise
The project has been acquired by Skydance Sports, with production set to be handled in collaboration with Broken Road Productions and Ice Cube’s own company, CubeVision. Producers Todd Garner and Jeff Kwatinetz are also attached to the film.
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans who grew up with the original films, which followed Nick Persons as he navigated the challenges of sudden parenthood, chaotic road trips and suburban family life.
The franchise became a cultural touchpoint in the mid-2000s, blending comedy, family dynamics and relatable chaos into a commercially successful formula.
The Story Moves Into Grandparenthood
While official plot details remain under wraps, the new film is expected to shift the story forward in time, introducing a new stage in the Persons family journey: grandparenthood.
Written by Chris Hazzard and Mike Fontana, the sequel reportedly picks up years after the events of the previous films, placing Nick and Suzanne in a quieter phase of life—at least in theory.
However, as the title suggests, their retirement years are unlikely to remain peaceful for long.
The story is expected to centre on the couple being pulled back into the chaos of family life as a new generation of energetic children disrupts their carefully built sense of calm.
A Franchise That Became a Global Hit
The Are We There Yet? universe has long been considered a major commercial success, reportedly earning more than $1.4 billion across its first two films and related projects.
The original film, released in 2005, followed Nick Persons as he attempted to win the approval of his girlfriend’s children during a disastrous road trip. Its sequel continued the family’s misadventures as they adjusted to life under one roof.
Both films became staples of mid-2000s family entertainment, cementing Ice Cube’s place in the comedy genre beyond his earlier music and dramatic acting roles.
Cast Reflections and Fan Excitement
Ice Cube has described the return to the franchise as both nostalgic and forward-looking, emphasising the evolution of the characters over time.
“We built something special with this franchise. Audiences grew up with Nick Persons, and now Nick’s got grandkids. Time flies,” he said. “Partnering with Skydance to bring this story to a new generation is exactly the kind of move CubeVision was built for.”
Nia Long, who recently earned praise for her performance in the Michael biopic, also celebrated the reunion, sharing a simple but enthusiastic reaction: “This should be fun.”
Will the Original Kids Return?
One of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the project is whether Aleisha Allen and Philip Daniel Bolden—who played Lindsey and Kevin in the original films—will return as adults.
Their potential comeback has become a major talking point among fans online, with speculation growing about how the original children’s characters might fit into a story now focused on the next generation.
A Nostalgic Revival in the Making
With Hollywood increasingly revisiting legacy franchises, Are They Gone Yet? fits into a broader trend of nostalgic reboots aimed at both original audiences and new viewers.
If successful, the film could reintroduce one of the most recognisable family comedy series of the 2000s to a modern audience—this time with a multi-generational twist.
