Paramount Pictures is poised to bring back the beloved action-comedy franchise “Rush Hour” for a fourth installment, following a personal request from former President Donald Trump. Trump is said to have personally urged billionaire Larry Ellison, the owner of Paramount and founder of Oracle, to pursue the revival of the series that features the dynamic pairing of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.
It has been nearly 20 years since “Rush Hour 3” was released, and there has been little to no progress on a sequel since 2017, when Warner Bros. severed ties with director Brett Ratner amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the franchise, the script for a new installment has already been completed, demonstrating a clear interest in continuing the story.
Numerous studios were approached about developing the new “Rush Hour,” but Ratner’s past involvement reportedly deterred some of them from taking the project on. Nevertheless, the enduring popularity of the franchise, which remains a favorite of Trump, has sparked renewed interest and hope for fans eager to see Chan and Tucker reunite on screen.
As this new chapter unfolds, there is anticipation not only for the comedic escapades of the duo but also for the potential for the franchise to adapt to contemporary sensibilities while maintaining the humor and action that made it a hit. With the involvement of key players committed to reviving the series, the prospect of “Rush Hour 4” could signal a triumphant return for the iconic franchise.