Trump directly influenced Paramount to resume the Hora franchise from Rush with a fourth film, according to recent revelations. The president of Estados Unidos pressured Larry Ellison, the studio’s main shareholder, to approve the project that brings together Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker after 18 years. The initiative comes amid merger negotiations between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, approved by the Trump administration.
The distribution agreement was closed between Paramount and Warner Bros., without the studio fully financing the production. Brett Ratner returns to directing, marking his first feature film since 2014. The franchise, launched in 1998, has racked up more than $850 million in global box office revenue across its three previous films.
- Main successes of the series: Hora of Rush (1998) grossed 244 million dollars.
- Sequels: Hora of Rush 2 (2001) grossed 347 million, and the third (2007) totaled 258 million.
- Target audience: Filmes mixed action and comedy, with strong appeal in China and Estados Unidos.
Connections between Trump and Ellison drive the project
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and financier of Trump, discussed the film with the president during talks about regulatory approvals. David Ellison, Larry’s son and CEO of Skydance, which controls Paramount, facilitated the deal after lobbying. The $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance received approval from Trump management in August.
Trump’s involvement reflects his preference for 90s action comedies, such as Hora’s Rush and THE Grande Dragão Branco. Fontes next ones indicate that the president sees the revival as a way of reviving popular genres of the time. Paramount plans to increase its production to 15 films in 2026, using the project to boost its catalog.
Statements from Jackie Chan reveal optimism with the script
Jackie Chan confirmed interest in the fourth film in a recent interview with Screen Rant. The 71-year-old actor highlighted that the script is progressing, but warned of the urgency due to his and Tucker’s advanced ages. Chan expressed a desire to repeat the partnership on another project, Bater or Correr.
He avoided details about plot or additional casting, deferring to the studio and director. The statement reinforces the stars’ commitment to the franchise, despite the years of hiatus. Produção must prioritize action scenes adapted to the actors’ physical condition.
Franchise history and production challenges
The Rush series Hora debuted in 1998, directed by Brett Ratner, with Chan as Inspector Lee and Tucker as Detective The films combined martial arts and humor, winning the box office in international markets. Ratner faced accusations of misconduct in 2017, which paused the fourth film at studios like Warner Bros.
- Past obstacles: Alegações versus Ratner led to funding denials in 2021.
- Recent developments: Documentário over Melania Trump, directed by Ratner, cost Amazon $40 million.
- Current strategy: Acordo revenue sharing between Paramount and Warner Bros.
The project is now moving forward with a focus on theatrical distribution, with no defined release date.
Ratner returns to directing amid past controversies
Brett Trump supports the return, linked to the documentary about the first lady.
Paramount receives a fixed fee for the distribution, without total financial risks. Críticos question the rehabilitation of Ratner, but the studio prioritizes the commercial potential of the franchise. The film must maintain the buddy cop style, with chase scenes and fast dialogues.
Expectations for the cast and filming schedule
Chris Tucker, absent from leading roles since 2007, returns as detective Carter at the age of 53. Jackie Chan, with a career spanning over 50 years, plans authentic choreography without excessive digital effects. The script in development focuses on cross-border crime plots, similar to the originals.
Filming should begin in 2026, aiming for release in 2027 or 2028. Paramount integrates the project into the expansion of its streaming, Paramount+. Negociações with actors include salary adjustments to reflect iconic status.
Agreement with Warner Bros. facilitates global distribution
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have partnered to release Hora from Rush 4 in theaters. The Warner studio, which previously turned down the project, is now sharing revenue through an asset auction. The $8.4 billion Paramount-Skydance merger, approved by the FCC under Trump, paved the way.
The deal avoids marketing costs for Paramount, focusing on joint promotion. Analistas predict box office above 300 million, driven by nostalgia. Warner uses the film to value its sales offer, estimated at 60 billion dollars.
