Paramount Pictures has officially confirmed the production of Rush Hour 4, marking a significant development in the long-anticipated sequel after nearly two decades of uncertainty. The announcement follows reported entreaties from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged the Ellison family to revive the beloved franchise.
This revival comes as part of a unique collaboration between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. According to Deadline, Paramount will handle the U.S. distribution for the film, taking a double-digit percentage fee, while Warner Bros. will oversee the broader franchise rights. This partnership reflects a shift in dynamics, particularly after David Ellison took control of Paramount earlier this year.
For many years, the prospect of Rush Hour 4 seemed bleak. The original trilogy, which grossed over $850 million worldwide between 1998 and 2007, struggled to secure a fourth installment due to the controversy surrounding director Brett Ratner. Following sexual assault allegations in 2017, Ratner’s career faced severe backlash, resulting in studios hesitating to re-engage with him. Despite these challenges, Ratner has now returned to the project as both director and producer.
In a surprising turn of events, the project regained momentum in August 2024 when Ratner became involved again. Notably, New Line Cinema allowed the sequel’s rights to be licensed to other entities. Producer Tarak Ben Ammar acquired those rights through his Eagle Pictures label, collaborating with original producer Arthur Sarkissian to bring the film to life.
The announcement of Rush Hour 4 has sparked excitement among fans of the action-comedy genre, particularly with the return of stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Their on-screen chemistry has long been celebrated, and many hope the sequel will capture the charm and humor of the previous films.
As this story develops, further information regarding the film’s release date and production timeline is expected to be revealed. Fans of the franchise are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the project progresses through the production phase. Paramount’s decision to move forward with Rush Hour 4 not only revives a cherished series but also highlights the influence of high-profile figures like Trump in Hollywood’s decision-making processes.
