Paramount Pictures confirmed the production of “Rush Hour 4” this Tuesday, at Los Angeles, after years of stilted negotiations. The studio will take over distribution of the film, which marks director Brett Ratner’s return to the action-comedy crime franchise. The decision was made due to direct interventions by president Donald Trump, who put pressure on the company’s shareholders to make the project viable.
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, stars of the three previous editions, are confirmed to reprise the roles of inspector Lee and detective Carter. Warner Bros., the original rights holder, will share box office profits with Paramount in a revenue-sharing agreement.
The film represents the first fiction feature film directed by Ratner since 2014, when he released “Hercules”. The franchise, launched in 1998, accumulated more than US$850 million in global box office sales in its initial three chapters.
Franchise history and past successes
The series “Rush Hour” debuted in 1998 with the first film, directed by Ratner and produced by New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros. The plot brought together Hongkonese agent Lee, played by Chan, with the American detective Carter, played by Tucker, in a kidnapping investigation in Los Angeles. The film grossed US$245 million worldwide.
In 2001, “Rush Hour 2” expanded the adventures to Hong Kong, focusing on a counterfeiting ring, and surpassed US$347 million at the box office. The sequence maintained the mix of martial arts and cultural humor, consolidating the duo as icons of the buddy cop genre.
The third film, released in 2007 in Paris, explored criminal triad plots and grossed US$256 million. Apesar’s financial success, the franchise took a break for almost two decades due to changes in the film market and the team’s personal issues.
Accusations against Ratner and removal of Hollywood
Brett Ratner directed the original three films, but faced accusations of sexual misconduct in 2017 during the #MeToo movement. Seis women, including former agency employee Melanie Kohler, reported incidents of harassment and assault. Kohler alleged rape in 2005, at the home of producer Robert Evans.
Ratner denied the allegations and sued Kohler for defamation. The parties reached a confidential settlement in 2018, with no admission of guilt on either side. The case contributed to the director’s informal banishment from major studios.
- Main accusations included unwanted advances on film sets.
- Other reports pointed to inappropriate comments about actresses.
- Ratner maintained smaller partnerships but avoided narrative fiction projects.
Since then, the director has focused on independent productions and documentaries. Nenhum studio agreed to finance “Rush Hour 4” until the recent deal, despite attempts with Sony and Lionsgate.
Agreement between studios and project financing
Paramount, recently acquired by Skydance Media, negotiated a distribution agreement with Warner Bros. The studio will receive a flat fee per theatrical release, with no marketing or production costs. Warner will maintain an initial percentage of box office revenue.
Funding came from private investors, including original co-producer Eagle Pictures. The project has circulated through Hollywood since August 2024, when New Line released the rights for external licensing.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount and son of Larry Ellison, main shareholder, authorized the advancement after internal discussions. The company plans to expand its release catalog to 15 films annually by 2026, prioritizing established franchises.
Involvement of Trump and ties with Ratner
Donald Trump contacted Larry Ellison, a friend and political donor, to advocate for the film. The pressure came after Ellison expressed support for the Trump administration in recent meetings. Paramount had settled a lawsuit filed by the president against CBS affiliate News over a critical interview.
Ratner became closer to the Trump family by directing a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, budgeted at $40 million and acquired by Amazon MGM Studios. The biographical film premieres on January 30, 2026 in theaters.
- Trump has expressed interest in reviving 1990s action comedies.
- Oracle billionaire Ellison has donated millions to the 2024 Republican campaign.
- Jeff Bezos, owner of Amazon, also maintained cordial relations with the president.
The lobbying reflects efforts by Trump to influence cultural content in Hollywood during his second term.
Projections for casting and production schedule
Jackie Chan, aged 71, confirmed negotiations for the role in recent interviews. Chris Tucker, absent from big screens since 2007, signaled interest in returning to the comic character. Arthur Sarkissian, producer of the originals, is part of the team.
Filming is expected to begin in 2026, with a release scheduled for 2027. The script, in development since 2024, will maintain the focus on international conspiracies and humor between the protagonists.
The franchise gained popularity in China, boosting Chan’s career in Ocidente. Analistas predicts box office sales above US$300 million, considering the nostalgic appeal.
Market expectations and logistical challenges
The film industry is prioritizing well-known IP sequels in 2025, with franchises representing 60% of high-budget debuts. “Rush Hour 4” aligns with this trend, competing with titles like “Avatar: Fogo and Cinzas”.
Challenges include Chan’s age, which limits intense action sequences, and the absence of Tucker in recent projects. The studio plans hybrid scenes with stunt doubles and CGI to balance realism and safety.
- Budget estimated at US$100-150 million.
- Global distribution via Paramount and Warner.
- Focus on Asian markets to maximize returns.
The return of Ratner generates debates about accountability in Hollywood, but the studio prioritizes commercial potential.
