Even before Ride Along hit theaters, Universal Pictures made it clear that they were high on the film by putting the wheels in motion for a potential sequel.  The buddy comedy opened last month to an incredibly impressive $41.5 million opening weekend, going on to gross $120 million worldwide against a reported budget of just $25 million.  With that kind of success, it’s no surprise that Deadline reports Ride Along 2 is now firmly moving forward with Tim Story returning as director and deals closing for Ice Cube and Kevin Hart to reprise their roles as an Atlanta detective and his brother-in-law, respectively.  Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi are also returning to pen the screenplay for the follow-up.

Production on Ride Along 2 is expected to get underway in late June or early July, and the follow-up will reportedly have more action and is being envisioned as more multi-cultural.  Hart is currently gearing up to shoot the comedy Get Hard with Will Ferrell this March, and Cube will be seen this summer in the sequel 22 Jump Street.