Ice Cube reportedly pulled out of the Oh Hell No comedy film after he was asked to get the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Hollywood Reporter, anonymous sources revealed the star declined producers’ request to get vaccinated, turning down what was said to be a $9 million gig.
Shooting for the movie directed by filmmaker Kitao Sakurai was slated to begin this winter in Hawaii, but star Jack Black endured an injury while on the set of “Conan” that ultimately pushed back the start of production. Following Cube’s exit from the film, producers are in search of an actor who can replace the Friday actor.
Though Cube hasn’t publicly discussed his thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine and the implementation of mandates across the country, the N.W.A. emcee has encouraged people to wear masks. As previously reported by REVOLT, he donated 2,000 protective masks to the Bacone College in Oklahoma, who took to social media to thank him for the act.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ice Cube,” the college’s president Dr. Ferlin Clark said in a statement. “This is a generous gift that comes at a time when this virus is experiencing a resurgence in our area.”
During the pandemic, Cube also sold branded T-shirts with the name of his song “Check Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self,” which encouraged people to protect each other. Proceeds from the sales went to underfinanced hospitals and nurses in inner cities and rural areas in the country, who were in need of more medical supplies.
“As a global community, we all need to come together to fight against this Coronavirus. Every citizen needs to step up. Hopefully, people can buy the shirts, and help us get supplies directly into the hands of the frontline healthcare workers that need it the most,” the Compton native said at the time. “We all need to do our part in helping the essential workers. We hope the funds from this program can help.”