Over 13 years after the original “Barbershop” opened in 2002, Ice Cube is back playing Calvin Palmer, Jr. — the barber who threatened to hang up his scissors before realizing how important the barbershop was to his community.
The star of “Barbershop: The Next Cut” (formerly known as “Barbershop 3”) joined the rest of the cast and crew on the red carpet at the movie’s premiere Wednesday at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, looking as slick as ever in a black suit and Ray-Bans.
Cedric the Entertainer (reprising the role of Eddie), female lead Regina Hall, Anthony Anderson (returning as J.D.) and Common were all also in attendance to promote the new movie.
Making the biggest splash on the carpet, however, was rapper Nicki Minaj, whose platinum blond hair and one-shoulder black dress were the most eye-catching sight of the night as she posed with actor J.B. Smoove and his wife, Shahidah Omar.
The “Anaconda” singer plays Draya, the sassy new hairdresser of the beauty shop portion of the barbershop. Minaj made her movie debut last year in “The Other Woman,” as the assistant to Cameron Diaz‘s character.
In the latest comedy, Calvin and Angie (Hall) have combined their respective haircutting operations to form one super barbershop for both men and women.
While there are plenty of laughs and antics among the cast that also includes Cedric the Entertainer, Anderson, JB Smoove, Lamorne Harris, Sean Patrick Thomas, Deon Cole and newcomers Common and Minaj, the film also tackles a serious and topical issue: increased violence on the streets of Chicago.
Ice Cube is coming off the phenomenal success of “Straight Outta Compton,” which he produced, and “Ride Along 2,” which he produced and co-starred in alongside Kevin Hart.
Next, he will appear in “Fist Fight” with Charlie Day, Christina Hendricks, Dennis Haysbert and Tracy Morgan.
“Barbershop 3” was directed by Malcolm D. Lee, written by Kenya Barris, and produced by Ice Cube, Robert Teitel and George Tillman, Jr.
Released by New Line, “Next Cut” is actually the direct sequel to the 2004’s “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” and the fourth film in the “Barbershop” film series, following the 2002 original and the 2005 spin-off “Beauty Shop.”
After being originally scheduled for release on Feb. 19, 2016, it lands in theaters on April 15, 2016.