Paramount to Distribute 'Rush Hour 4' with Brett Ratner Directing, Following Reported Trump Push
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Hollywood's long-anticipated "Rush Hour 4" is officially in the works, with Paramount Pictures set to distribute the next installment of the buddy-cop franchise. The development marks the return of director Brett Ratner, who helmed the original trilogy, and will see stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reprise their iconic roles. This revival comes nearly two decades after "Rush Hour 3" and follows reports of direct intervention from former President Donald Trump.
Paramount will handle the distribution of the film, reportedly on behalf of Warner Bros., for a double-digit percentage distribution fee. Multiple studios, including Warner Bros.' own New Line Cinema, had previously passed on the project due to various factors, including Ratner's involvement. The original "Rush Hour" trilogy, which began in 1998, collectively grossed over $850 million worldwide.
Brett Ratner's return to the director's chair for "Rush Hour 4" marks his first major feature film since 2014, following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017 that largely sidelined his career. He recently directed a documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump for Amazon MGM Studios. His re-engagement with the franchise has been a point of discussion within the industry.
Reports from Semafor, corroborated by other outlets, indicate that Donald Trump personally urged Paramount owner David Ellison to revive the "Rush Hour" franchise. This reported push highlights a growing intersection between political influence and Hollywood production decisions. Ellison's Paramount is also a bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery, adding another layer to the complex deal.
Jackie Chan, now 71, and Chris Tucker are expected to return as Chief Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter, respectively. The original films were celebrated for their blend of martial arts action and comedic chemistry. The success of recent buddy-cop comedies like the "Bad Boys" franchise suggests an audience appetite for the genre, despite a broader decline in theatrical comedy performance.