Donald Trump has successfully influenced the revival of a beloved film franchise, with reports indicating that his friend David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance, has agreed to reboot the Rush Hour series. This development comes after Trump reached out to Ellison, urging him to bring back not only Rush Hour but also other classic films, including Home Alone, which Trump had a cameo in during 1992’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
According to Matt Belloni of Puck, the negotiations for Rush Hour 4 were spurred on Trump’s behalf, particularly relating to its original director, Brett Ratner. The project appears to have gained traction after Ellison’s acquisition of Paramount, as Ratner has reportedly been pursuing the fourth installment for several years. Previously, attempts to continue the franchise were met with hesitation, as Warner Bros. showed no interest in moving forward.
Importantly, both Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are set to reprise their iconic roles in this upcoming film, rekindling the duo’s comedic chemistry once again. The last Rush Hour installment debuted in 2007, and fans have long awaited a return to the franchise.
In addition to his involvement with Rush Hour, Ratner is currently connected to another high-profile project, a documentary about Melania Trump that Jeff Bezos has reportedly agreed to distribute through Amazon MGM Studios for a staggering $40 million. Despite the controversy surrounding Ratner, including multiple allegations of sexual misconduct—which he has denied—his longstanding friendship with the Trump family seems to have helped him secure select lucrative projects.
With Rush Hour 4 on the horizon and both Tucker and Chan returning, this reboot could appeal to a generation of fans eager for nostalgia while also attracting new audiences. The landscape of Hollywood often shifts, and with the right combination of star power and nostalgia, this revival may be positioned for great success.