In a major Hollywood development, the beloved Rush Hour buddy-cop franchise is being revived for a fourth instalment, nearly two decades after the last film. This surprising move comes after a reported push from former US President Donald Trump, prompting Paramount Skydance to reboot the series.
The Paramount and Warner Bros. Deal
According to industry reports, Paramount has secured funding for Rush Hour 4 and has struck a crucial distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. This is a significant shift, as the franchise was previously under the New Line Cinema banner. Under the current arrangement, Paramount will collect a fixed distribution fee for the theatrical release. In return, Warner Bros. will receive a portion of the box office earnings before the financiers recover their costs. Neither studio has officially commented on the deal.
Overcoming Hurdles and Cast Comeback
The project had been stuck for years, with studios repeatedly approached about a sequel. A major stumbling block was the reluctance of many to collaborate with director Brett Ratner. His career faced severe setbacks in 2017 after multiple actors accused him of sexual misconduct. Ratner has denied all allegations and has not been charged.
The revival will see the return of the iconic duo, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The first three films were international blockbusters, earning more than $850 million worldwide and propelling both actors to global fame, especially in China. However, the new sequel enters a changed cinematic landscape where comedies often struggle. Chan, now 71, has reduced his work with American studios, and Tucker has not led a major film since 2007, making their return a highly anticipated event.
Trump's Hollywood Influence and Industry Shake-up
Donald Trump's involvement in reviving the franchise has drawn criticism. The former President has informally enlisted allies like Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson as cultural representatives and has repeatedly expressed his desire to bring back classical masculinity in studio films. The White House has not commented on this matter.
This revival is part of a larger expansion plan for the newly merged Paramount Skydance, which aims to produce around 15 films in 2026 and up to 18 by 2028. Concurrently, a massive industry shake-up is underway, with Paramount Skydance, Comcast, and Netflix all submitting first-round bids to acquire Warner Bros. and its valuable assets, including the DC and Harry Potter franchises.
