It's reported actor and comedian Chris Tucker turned down $12m because the role would have required him go against his Christian faith and forced him to swear and appear to smoke drugs.

According to rapper Ice Cube, the star of the Rush Hour franchise was asked to reprise his role in the comedy film 'Friday' but turned it down.

Writing on Twitter, Ice Cube said: "We were ready to pay Chris Tucker $10-12m to do Next Friday but he turned us down for religious reasons. 

"He didn't want to cuss or smoke weed on camera anymore."

Tucker has previously spoken openly about his faith and how it has changed the direction of his career.

Speaking to the website straight.com he said: "Being a Christian helps me in comedy.

"I have to talk about other stuff. Normally, most comics talk about stuff that's easy - maybe cussing or saying something raunchy. 

"I have to dig deeper to find something that's still funny and not raunchy. It's harder. I like the challenge."

Tucker was brought up in a Christian home and although strayed from his faith, recommitted later in life.