Ice Cube Walks Away From $9 Million Payout For Upcoming Sony Comedy Over Mandatory Vaccine Requirement

Ice Cube would rather lose out on $9 million than get a mandatory vaccination.

According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), the Friday star reportedly curbed producers of Sony’s forthcoming comedy, Oh Hell No, when they requested that he get vaccinated. The 52-year-old entertainer forewent his role in the film over the ask.

Although none of the parties involved commented on his departure, the film has been plagued with another setback since its inception. The other film’s co-star Jack Black, who also serves as one of the movie’s producers, was hurt in June while he shot a gag for the final episode of

Conan.

Sony is searching for a replacement for Cube, but it’s uncertain if the $9 million payout will be given to the new cast member.

Even though Cube declined the vax, he has been an avid supporter of wearing masks. THR reported that the former NWA frontman forged a donation drive of 2,000 masks in August. He also created a line of tees to encourage mask-wearing during the first part of the pandemic. The “Check Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self” t-shirts were in partnership with Black Out and proceeds went to help frontline healthcare employees. 

Reactions to Cube’s decision to drop out varied on social media. More folks seemed to think he was foolish for not getting the vaccine. 

The few people who did support the rapper commended his bravery for taking a stand.

 

Vaccinations for cast and crew members on Hollywood sets have been a hot-button issue since Tinseltown started making projects again. In July, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the industry’s top guilds — including SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the DGA and the Teamster

announced guidelines to keep stars and crew safe on the set. A vote determined that producers could require participants, including actors, to be fully vaccinated in order to work on a project.

Given Cube’s net worth of $160 million, he can afford to decide if he wants to work or not.