President Donald Trump’s personal intervention has spurred Paramount to develop “Rush Hour 4,” reuniting original stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker under director Brett Ratner, according to reports from multiple news outlets. This development follows Trump’s alleged request to Paramount leadership, highlighting an unusual blend of politics and entertainment.
The revival of the “Rush Hour” franchise emerged after President Trump reportedly urged Paramount Skydance to move forward with the sequel, as first detailed by Semafor and confirmed by outlets like CNBC and Variety. This Oval Office involvement underscores Trump’s ongoing interest in media, coinciding with his praise for Paramount’s new leadership under David Ellison, whose father, Larry Ellison, is a prominent Trump supporter. The move signals a rare instance of political influence directly shaping Hollywood production decisions.
Paramount has secured a distribution deal for “Rush Hour 4,” where the studio will receive a flat fee to release the film theatrically, avoiding significant financial risk. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery, which owned the original franchise under its New Line banner, will get a share of box-office revenues before financiers recoup costs. This revenue-sharing arrangement allowed the long-stalled project to advance, with multiple distributors previously hesitant due to Ratner’s involvement.
Brett Ratner, who directed the first three “Rush Hour” films, is set to return as director despite past allegations of sexual misconduct that derailed his career in 2017. Ratner has denied the accusations and was never charged; his recent work includes directing a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump for Amazon, which paid $40 million for the rights. His reentry into major filmmaking with “Rush Hour 4” marks a contentious comeback amid ongoing industry scrutiny.
The original “Rush Hour” series was a global box office phenomenon, earning over $850 million worldwide. The 1998 film grossed $244 million, followed by $347 million for “Rush Hour 2” in 2001 and $258 million for “Rush Hour 3” in 2007, blending action and comedy to catapult Chan and Tucker to international stardom. The franchise’s success, particularly in markets like China, made it a valuable asset, though the new sequel must navigate a changed cinematic landscape.
However, “Rush Hour 4” faces significant challenges, as comedies have struggled to attract audiences in recent years. Additionally, Chan, now 71, has scaled back his studio work, and Tucker has not headlined a major film since 2007, raising questions about their ability to replicate past chemistry. Industry analysts note that the sequel’s success will hinge on appealing to nostalgic fans while drawing new viewers in an era dominated by franchise films and streaming content.
Paramount’s initiative aligns with its post-acquisition strategy to increase film output, targeting 15 releases in 2026 and up to 18 by 2028. The timing overlaps with a major industry shake-up, as Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix submit initial bids for Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets, including prized franchises like DC and Harry Potter. This broader context adds urgency to Paramount’s efforts to bolster its slate with recognizable properties.
Trump’s influence in Hollywood has drawn criticism, as he has informally endorsed figures like Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson, advocating for a return to “classical masculinity” in films. The “Rush Hour 4” development underscores the intersection of politics and entertainment, with potential implications for studio autonomy. Looking ahead, production timelines and release dates remain uncertain, but the project will be closely watched as a barometer of Trump’s cultural impact and the viability of legacy sequels in modern cinema.
